Woodmere grandparents’ proud moment in Israel

9/11 was a life-changing day for many people.  But it was especially the case for Robin and Avi Schreiber. Prior to their marriage they agreed to make Aliyah “some day.” 

Robin, daughter of Lois and Eric Lustig, was raised in Woodmere, attended Hillel/HAFTR, and Barnard College. She davened at the Young Israel of Woodmere. Avi was raised in Edison, New Jersey, attending Shaarei Torah Yeshiva, going to Kerem B’Yavneh (KBY) in Israel, Yeshiva University and Iona College for his MBA.

 On 9/11 Avi was working in Manhattan. When it became obvious that the buildings had been attacked, Avi, anxious to return to his home in Teaneck, walked from midtown to the George Washington Bridge, arriving home with a new determination.

Immediately thereafter, in 2002, both Avi and Robin decided that “some day” would have to be now. They went into action, and by the end of the school year the family had moved to Chashmonaim, a Yishuv located halfway between Yerushalayim and Tel Aviv.

Fast forward ten years and the eldest of their four children, , Aron, who was 11 1/2 when they arrived has now come of age. At this time, Aron, who is now 21 has completed his active tour of duty, and has returned to his Yeshiva.  

 Sixteen months ago, it was time for Aron to go into the army. He had the opportunity of Torah learning combined with protecting his beloved adopted country. This option is known as Hesder Yeshiva. After much searching he decided to attend Yeshivat Hesder Ma’ale Efraim, located in the Jordan Valley, north of Jerusalem. There, he met people who shared his love of learning, combined with his love of Israel.

When Aron was inducted into the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces), it was determined that he had the skill to be trained as a sharpshooter. It could be that this is due in part to his youthful practice of precise card tossing.

 Though it is no small feat to survive the rigors of Israeli training, Aron succeeded in completing 50+ kilometer hikes with heavy backpacks carried on uneven terrain. The Israeli army is like no other. Soldiers occasionally get time off to go home for Shabbat. However, their superiors demand strict discipline.

Shortly before Pesach, the group leader was counting their weapons (as each one must be accounted for) and discovered that there was a missing grenade. He announced that there would be no ‘leave’ until the grenade was found. The soldiers were searching for Chometz, and in the process of deep cleaning, Aron found the missing weapon. He was rewarded with an early departure to celebrate the Chag. 

Aron, who is now 21, has completed his active tour of duty, and has returned to his Yeshiva.  My husband Eric and I just returned from a special trip to Israel where we visited with our grandson who just completed his active tour of duty. Our daughter and son-in-law and the entire family took tremendous pride in Aron’s dedication and service. The Schreibers are especially cognizant of the recognition from the entire state of Israel that is afforded IDF soldiers.

He will be obligated to return annually to the IDF for Miluim, reserves, for the next 25 years. We were thrilled as grandparents to witness this auspicious occasion.