Video: The Two Commitments in My Life

Yom Kippur 1973. Israel finds itself attacked in the north by Syria and in the south by Egypt. The Almog family sends their two sons off to battle; Doron to the south and Eran to the north. Doron returns, but Eran bleeds to death in his tank in the Golan Heights. Doron vows never to leave a wounded soldier behind. Three years later, Doron Almog will lead Israeli forces 4,000 km to rescue Jews held hostage in Entebbe, Uganda.

But this soldier’s greatest battle lies ahead: the battle of how to respond to the news that his son Eran, named for his deceased brother, is autistic and retarded. Eran will never say “Dad,” but he will become his father’s greatest teacher. Bereft of the future they had imagined for their son, Doron and Didi Almog spend the next two years in agony, struggling to understand the meaning of life. Finally they arrive at the answer: to unconditionally love their son; to be committed to protect and care for him; to understand that their ego or shame is irrelevant. They learn what it means to fulfill the dictum of the great Rabbi Akiva: Love your fellow as yourself.

If you’ve wondered what it’s like to pass a life-test, not just to survive it, but to grow from it, watch this video. You will learn about real love, true parenting, and what it means to be a Jew and a human being.

This story of inspiration shared at the European Jewish Retreat, is indicative of the inspiring and life-altering presentations, lectures and personal stories offered at the National Jewish Retreat. Only Three weeks away, you can still join this year’s retreat and enjoy a remarkable event. Register at JRetreat.com