Prior to the ceremony of “הטפת דם”, the children visited the home of the Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef Shlita. The Rishon L’Tzion was amazed to see the extent of the children’s knowledge of Chumash, and also spoke to the Jewish mothers and their children, encouraging them to continue the chain of Jewish generations.

“You should be proud that you have the right to belong to the Jewish people, and that you are about to fulfill the mitzvah of הטפת דם. Don’t fear and continue to strengthen your belief in Torah and your Yiras Shomayim.”

Rav Yosef was given a briefing from heads of Yad L’Achim prior to the arrival of his guests. The rav was briefed regarding the rescue operation to extricate them from Arab villages. He was also told about the emphasis placed on chinuch for the children after they are removed from the villages and brought to safety. The rav said, Yad L’Achim, you are בורא נפשות רבות for your work. He also gave a bracha to the head of Yad L’Achim, Rav Yisrael Lifshitz, who assumed the responsibilities of his father, Rav Shalom Dov Lifshitz.

Near the end of the special visit of the children and their mothers, the rav distributed sweets to the children, watch as each made a bracha. From there, the mothers and children continued to the הטפת דם, which is the halachic requirement for one who has undergone an Islamic circumcision. This was performed by mohel Rav Shimon Dror, with the event organized by Rav Moshe Cohen, who is active in Yad L’Achim.

After the ceremony, each child received a special gift from Yad L’Achim.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)