DECEMBER 2025 • VOL. 46 ISSUE 1
GOLDA OCH ACADEMY
GOAFLAME.COM
WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY
Eli Sharabi Visits NJ After 491 Days In Hamas Captivity By Noah Cytrynbaum ‘28
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sraeli Eli Sharabi, who spent 491 days as a hostage of Hamas in Gaza, visited New Jersey to speak about his experience and his faith for attendees from Golda Och Academy, Kushner Academy and Gottesman RTW Academy this month. “It was important and inspiring to hear the first-hand recounts of a story from someone who has been through so much. It gave me a new understanding of faith, optimism and perseverance,” said junior Violet Berman. Freshman Hanna Laufer said, “I found it especially meaningful to hear of his reconnection to Judaism within a time of extreme pain, which should inspire the rest of us Jews worldwide to remain faithful and proud of their identity, even when it is mercilessly challenged.” When Sharabi entered the auditorium at JKHA/ RKYHS, students and faculty rose to their feet, partly out of respect and partly to see the man who went through unimaginable hardship. The reception was overwhelming as he calmly and confidently walked to the stage. Sophomore Leo de Picciotto described “the vibrant environment and the loud cheers and music.” Sharabi spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, introducing himself in a simple and straightforward manner,
considering the horrific nature of his experience. “I’m Eli Sharabi, a member of Kibbutz Be’eri. I was in Hamas captivity for 491 days, my wife and my daughters were murdered on October 7. My brother Yossi, my older brother, being kidnapped as well on October 7 and was murdered a hundred days later in captivity,” he said. Regarding life in Be'eri before the attack he said that his kibbutz, “looked like a magical place…a very supportive community…it looked like heaven for me…Our heaven turned into hell on October 7.” Sophomore Logan Gladstone said, “It’s amazing to see what they felt and did to survive together, and it’s inspiring to think about what Jews can do unified as a people.” “Every moment in captivity tests you as a human being, testing your faith, faith in God, faith in your ability to survive,” said Sharabi. “I didn’t choose what happened to us on October 7, but I always choose how to react on this 491 days and what to hold on in memories, in faith, in God, and I chose how to stay a human being in a very extreme condition of starvation and humiliation, and violence against us.” After being taken into the tunnels under Gaza,
Shirabi was grouped with three other Israeli captives. “It was a very optimistic moment for me,” he said. “It was optimistic because it was belonging, it was to hear Hebrew again, and to be able to speak Hebrew, and it was optimistic because you believe in that group that you can survive together.” Freshman Tamar Ashkenazi said, “One moment that hit me was when he remarked that he was so grateful that he could wake up in the morning, open his fridge, and take whatever he wants from it— something we might take for granted.”
GOA students hear Sharabi speaking
Varsity Volleyball Raise Banner for SEC Division Title
By Mia Eskin ‘27
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he 2025 volleyball season has been outstanding for Golda Och Academy’s varsity and junior varsity girls teams. They finished with a record of 9-1, putting them at the top of their division. Under the inspiring leadership of Coach Ms. Endlich, these athletes have performed skillfully and showcased growth, teamwork and dedication from the start of the season. Over the past few seasons the team has suffered many losses, but this year the team has flourished, growing from a small roster into a powerhouse of 20 talented athletes. This expansion has created an unbeatable team spirit that is consistently complimented by other coaches and athletes. The varsity lineup, captained by juniors Mia Eskin and Alma Adiel, features star players Violet Berman, Tara Langer, Sagan Shapiro, Liora Goldberg and Remy Friedberg. In October the team suffered their single loss against Bard High School Early College Newark, but it only highlighted their continued determination and refusal to back down. Captain Alma Adiel said, “This season has been incredible for all of us. Losing to Bard was incredibly tough but it showed us exactly where we need to
improve. We will come back stronger next season and our team will not back out without a fight.” Golda Och Academy athletes have won many banners over the years but none for volleyball until now. With playoffs on the horizon and the team’s spirit they are bound to make a run for a win and a banner
that no one will forget. Meanwhile, the junior varsity team has been a force of its own. The girls continue to build skills, teamwork and a strong foundation to continue the program’s future. They have had an incredible amount of wins, but above all, they continue to learn each other’s style on the court and adapt to different situations. Each player on the team brings their own strength, from powerful spikes to precise serves, the team creates a seamless environment keeping them on top. One of the strengths of the Varsity team is their ability to communicate and keep their opening on their toes. The team is incredible at adjusting mid game and supporting each other despite the score. The girls on the volleyball team love doing bonding activities like team dinners to build stronger connections, especially between players in different grades. The mix of grades and experience on the team has created friendships unlike any other. Sophomore Tara Langer said, “We’ve all gotten so close this season. It feels like a family more than a team.”
GOA Girls Varsity Volleyball team GOA LIFE Golda Och Welcomes Mr. Michael to Math and English Departments This school year, nine new faculty members have joined Golda Och Academy across the Upper and Lower School campuses.
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SPORTS
OP-ED
NEWS
Mamdani’s New York Will Backfire On Working Class Though Zohran Mamdani campaigned on reducing the cost of living in New York.
Relief Organizations Rush to Aid Jamaicans Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans are finding unique ways to cope and rebuild after the island was hit by a massive hurricane. PAGE 3
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Boys Varsity Soccer Celebrates Successful Season This year’s Golda Och boys varsity soccer season was one to remember. From their opening game against Eagle Academy to the final tie with Orange, the players gave it everything they had and grew stronger as a team. PAGE 12