March 28, 2019

On Tuesday, the Yeshivah of Flatbush was honored to host the Honorable Moshe Lion, Mayor of Jerusalem. Mr. Lion was greeted by our Early Childhood students, who sang songs about Jerusalem as he entered. He then proceeded to the Beit Midrash, where Mrs. Michal Azancot’s fifth grade students made presentations about Jerusalem. Each student spoke about his or her project to the mayor directly.

Mr. Lion was then introduced to YOF leadership over breakfast. Head of Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi introduced YOF Trustee Jack Mann, who welcomed Mayor Lion and spoke about the mayor’s career leading up to his role in the government. The mayor then spoke to the leadership about his goals for the city of Jerusalem. Eight distinguished members of the board - Ami and Ralph Sasson, Jack Mann, Jack Mosseri, Mark Goldstein, David Oved, Hagai Laniado and Jack Cayre - received a pin for their service to YOF from the mayor. The floor was then opened to questions. At the conclusion of the breakfast, Executive Director Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman presented Mr. Lion with a set of birkonim as a memento of his visit.

Afterwards, Lower Division students welcomed the mayor into the Laniado Gym with songs followed by Hatikvah. Rabbi Tsaidi introduced the mayor to the students. Mr. Lion then spoke to the students and heard two songs by a choir of boys in grades 4-8. Early Childhood presented the mayor with a gift, a handmade collage by kindergarten students in K134 and K136. The collage featured photos from YOF in the years 1930-1970 and the Six Day War. Over-laying the photos was the symbol of Jerusalem.

Middle Division students then welcomed the mayor in the auditorium, starting with Hatikvah and the Star Spangled Banner. Rabbi Tsaidi introduced two Middle Division students, Moshe Scaba and Ellen Ades, who presented speeches to the mayor. Mr. Lion then spoke to the students in Hebrew and answered their thoughtful questions. The MD choir sang two songs followed by a slideshow featuring pictures of students and faculty members in Jerusalem. The students were treated to a rendition of Shabichi Yerushalayim sung by the mayor’s guests, Eitan Binet, Yosef Karavani and Israel Singer.

Mr. Lion then headed to the high school, where he received a tour of the new building. The mayor proceeded to the Khezri Auditorium, where he addressed the students in Hebrew and answered intriguing questions from the students.

Thank you to Jennifer and Elliot Douek for sponsoring this event.

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