Israel Answers Ashar Hockey's call.

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It was around this time last year that the Ashar Hockey team gathered together early one morning during succot vacation. Putting on our Ashar jerseys for the first time that season, we were boarding our team bus while most other classmates were still in bed. There were no school games during vacations, everyone knew that. Yet, we all knew we had a hockey game we had to go to.

Arriving at the ice rink in Manhattan, one could really feel the tension in the air. Strangely, this it was not our team that was competing, yet it was “our team” that was playing.

Since we were old enough to remember our parents rabbiem and teachers told us of the love we need to have for Israel. All those Hatikvahs, Israel chessed projects, Yom Haatzmaut celebrations and Israeli Day parades, all designed to help us remember, appreciate and show support to the land and people of Israel.

Last year when Ashar Hockey learned that one of the Israeli Junior National Ice Hockey Team’s stops on it’s 2006 10 city North American Goodwill Tour was New York, we understood it was our obligation to go.

Israeli’s boys, junior ambassadors for the State of Israel were coming to our city. They were coming to show us what they had accomplished and to let us know what dreams they had. They were coming to see and meet us. To make connections and bonds with a people they felt would support their dream of representing “our” country on the world stage.

When the Israeli team emerged from the locker room to take the ice that day , one was immediately struck by their beautifully modern designed Magen Dovid ice hockey jersey. You were dead if you did not feel an overwhelming sense of pride simply consume you.

One could not help but feel a little guilty as we cheered on the “foreign boys”, hoping the Americans would lose. Not one of us could have ever imagined we would ever be rooting against Americans. It was a reaffirmation to all of us as to who we really were.

The Ashar Hockey was called center ice that day after an Israeli win and made a donation of $1000 to the members of the Israeli Junior team in support of their dreams. We took pictures with our Israeli brothers for the newspapers and TV people. Our two team standing shoulder to shoulder, jerseys mixed, yet it was clear we stood as one team.

The boys swapped autographs talked and made some bonds of friendship.

One of those bonds was feeling of obligation the Israeli boys now felt for our Ashar school. That is what is bringing the Israeli Junior National Hockey Team to Monsey on October 10th.

Our children are learn to support the needy of Israel. Taught by example to raise money for hospitals and bulletproof ambulances. To be ready to send money in support of Israel in time of need.

Does there need to be a tragedy to show support for the boys who will one day join the army and guard our homeland? Can we not show gratitude and support for the children who remain when the rockets fall and borders are crossed? Do we not support our Yankees and Giants?

Just like that day a year ago, and the way it should be everyday, the Ashar Hockey team understands the gratitude we owe these boys. We understand the obligation to welcome and honor these visitors to our city. We look forward to cheering them on, welcoming them into our homes to meet our children and giving any support and encouragement they need to help assist them strive for their goals. Our goals. After all they are “our team”.

Please consider taking the time to bring the family to see a piece of Israel in our back yard. These boys will travel tens of thousands of miles on this goodwill tour across North America. Showing all the caliber of citizens the state of Israel has to offer.

The Ashar Hockey team is confident that anyone who believes in their heart that they are truly supporters of Israel will too understand this sense of obligation we feel, and will do their best to proudly make it known.

It promises to be a truly rewarding Israel experience right here in Monsey. As your family will get to see and personally greet these fine young men.

For more info click on the Israel Hockey Goodwill Tour Icon above/

As always Ashar Hockey thanks all the Ashar student and parent body for their support. 20 boys have accomplished a lot both on and off the court in the past 2 seasons. We have won 2 division championships for our school and donated over $24,000 to charities in just over a 12 month period. None of this could have been accomplished without our entire school behind us. With your support we will add this event to a proud list of our schools accomplishments.

Additionally, Ashar Hockey is looking for volunteer intersted in helping to house pairs of Israeli player (ages 14-17) in their Monsey homes. Please contact coach David Katznelson 845-705-8890 for more.

ASHAR HOCKEY