From Nahal Oz To Weber
Nadav Tzabari and Addi Gan El-Cherry from Kibbutz Nahal Oz in southern Israel visited The Weber School with one primary purpose: to say thank you for the more than $100,000 raised through last year’s Concert for the Kibbutzim. They spoke openly about what their community has endured since October 7, what it has meant to be supported from thousands of miles away, and what it looks like to rebuild during uncertain times.
Nadav was introduced to Kibbutz Nahal Oz during his army service and, after being injured during the 2014 Gaza conflict, decided to move there permanently. He described his recent return to the kibbutz after a long evacuation period, living in a temporary home while repairs continue, and taking on leadership work supporting the kibbutz’s young adults as they navigate housing, stability, and the emotional weight of “getting back to normal.”
Addi, a parent and longtime kibbutz member, described the morning of October 7 and the hours that followed with clarity and restraint, emphasizing not only fear and confusion but also the decisions people made in real time to protect one another. She also spoke to the lasting impact of that day: the long process of returning home and rebuilding what was damaged, even when nothing feels fully settled.
Nadav and Addi opened the floor to thoughtful, honest questions from our students, including how to respond when people deny, distort, or dismiss what Israelis and Jews are experiencing. Their answer was grounded and practical: lead with respect, use facts when it matters, and protect yourself, both emotionally and physically. They also reminded students that sharing emotions can sometimes open a door that facts cannot, not to “win” an argument, but to tell the truth of your own experience.
Their visit serves as a powerful reminder that when Weber students commit their leadership to something bigger than themselves, the impact is real and immediate. That same opportunity is coming again soon: on Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Michael and Andrea Leven Office of Student Service and Philanthropy presents the Am Yisrael Live Benefit Concert. This year’s proceeds will benefit Yemin Orde Youth Village, a residential high school atop Mt. Carmel that provides a safe home, education, and intensive emotional support for more than 400 at-risk youth from around the world.
The Weber School
The Weber School, a Jewish Community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds, prepares students for success in college and in life with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that inspire student exploration, leadership, and Jewish social consciousness. Many of our programs and academies are unique to Weber and can't be found at any other Atlanta-area high schools.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
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