Welcome Hometown Heroes

A very inspiring evening Wednesday night January 17, 2024, at Chabad of Hewlett. The event, Welcome Hometown Heroes, included local residents who either recently visited or served in the IDF in Israel.

Avi Wertenteil served in the IDF for three months. His wife Mariah, with their one year old daughter Lielle, made a very moving speech about Avi’s time fighting Hamas in Gaza and her dealing with him being away. Seegal Hilany, a local resident and mother, represented all the local G. W. Hewlett High School graduates who are currently serving in the IDF alongside her son Yossi.

Emily Austin, an outspoken media personality and supporter of Israel who is fighting anti-Semitism through social media and news outlets, visited with kibbutzim and spoke of what she saw and learned firsthand about the massacre that took place on October 7th. She told the crowd of the important battle being fought on social media and that everyone should do what they can to be and stay involved.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke to the Hewlett community about his and Nassau County’s unequivocal support of Israel and the Jewish community. He commended the award recipients on their bravery.

It was an emotional and inspiring evening that ended with a prayer from Rabbi Tenenboim, Hewlett’s Jewish community leader and director of Chabad of Hewlett. Thank you to the Nassau County Police Department for their continued support of Israel and the Jewish people.

The event was in collaboration with Hewlett United for Israel under the leadership of Jay Saltzman who reported on the organization's activities.