From War Zone to Warm Embrace
By Amy Schwartz Kimlat
The Rukin family, like all their neighbors in Ashkelon, Israel, had their lives turned upside down on October 7. Vitali, a consultant in the technology and space sector, describes their pre-war days as filled with routine and excitement, with Sveta running a childcare business, and their children, Eitan and Shelli, thriving in school.
“Sveta was even in advanced pregnancy,” says Vitali. “We were awaiting the birth of our baby girl (Emily) with immense joy.”
But then came the sirens, the relentless rocket attacks, and the chilling fear that gripped the city and all of Israel.
“Everything suddenly changed,” recalls Vitali.
Seeking safety for their children and unborn baby, they quickly made the difficult decision to leave their home and familiar life behind. Orlando, a city they had visited and grown fond of through Vitali’s work in the space industry, became their destination.
Ready and Waiting
Meanwhile, across the ocean, the Jewish Academy of Orlando’s new head of school, Chana Ben-Abraham, sprang into action.
“Since October 7 fell on a holiday,” she explains, “I didn’t even know about the atrocities until the evening of October 8. My immediate reaction was to pull out a yahrzeit (memorial) candle, pray, and get to work.”
Pictured above, from left to right: Shelli Rukin shares a book in Hebrew with her reading buddy at the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center, pre-K student Amit, Eitan Rukin practices his English letters with UCF student and volunteer Emma Lantinberg, and The Rukins: mom Sveta and kids Shelli, Eitan, and baby Emily.
When the students and teachers returned to school the Monday after the attacks, they joined together for a special unity gathering in song.
“Since then, every ‘Hatikvah’ (Israel’s national anthem), and the newly taught ‘Mi Shebeirach’ (Jewish prayer for the soldiers), have been embedded in a special way to our programming at school,” says Chana.
The school has also hosted education nights where families (both enrolled and not enrolled in the JAO) have been able to attend and learn about Israel.
Of greatest impact, the school’s faculty and parents wasted no time preparing to welcome Israeli refugee families like the Rukins. A parent committee led by Maytal Barkan and Lauren Sharfstein labored to provide essential items and assistance to displaced families.
In total, the school opened its arms to 16 Israeli refugee children, ensuring continuity in these youngsters’ educations despite the upheaval..
Michal Vagish-Grapel, JAO’s Hebrew director and a native speaker herself, played a crucial role in coordinating arrivals and facilitating their seamless integration into the school community.
“The recess playground is forever changed by the
laughter of our JAO students and new Israeli friends,”
As Chana stresses, “We have supported all displaced children as part of our commitment to be an Am Yisrael, a nation of Israel.
“The recess playground is forever changed by the laughter of our JAO students and new Israeli friends,” says Chana. “In the halls, you’ll catch teachers quickly Google translating to explain a concept to an Israeli child. This initiative has been made possible by our staff stepping up and supporting them throughout the day.”
Adapting and Thriving
Vitali, who lives in Maitland, is appreciative of everything the school has done for his family.
“When we reached JAO, the amazing staff welcomed us warmly and with love,” he says. “They helped our children integrate into the school almost immediately, which greatly assisted them in transitioning to a different environment and embracing reality.”
For Eitan, who has autism and thrives on routine and structure, the school’s understanding and support proved invaluable.
“Despite all of Eitan’s difficulties, the school knew how to listen to him, accept him, and support him, which is not at all to be taken for granted,” says Vitali. “And Eitan arrives at school every day with a smile.”
The impact on Shelli, who is in second grade, was equally profound. Surrounded by new friends and a nurturing environment, she quickly adapted and even thrived. JAO became more than just a school; it became a family away from home, offering not just education but also emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Their journey wasn’t without its challenges, though. Sveta was in labor when they first dropped off Eitan and Shelli at the school, adding another layer of complexity to their already difficult situation. Yet, JAO was there for them, providing childcare and a helping hand whenever needed.
“They helped us with the children when my wife gave birth,” says Vitali. “It’s a school that’s a pleasure to come to, and the children are happy to be in it.”
Pictured above, from left to right: Roee Ramo enjoys JAO’s Mishpacha Monday with daughter Eva, Twins Anna and Alex Harpaz were well-cared for during their time in Orlando, and Roee Ramo, Samuel Ramo, and Natalie Carrero participate in a Tu B’Shevat Seder at Jewish Academy of Orlando.
A Family Reunited
On October 7, Herzliya resident Roee Ramo was in Orlando visiting his brother. His wife, Natalie Carrero, and their children, Eva, Samuel, and Sofia, were at their home in Israel, where Natalie ran a small daycare. The four awoke to the sound of sirens.
Roee immediately arranged for Natalie to fly with the children to Barcelona, where her sister lives. Her sister was able to secure emergency passports for the family, so they could make it to the United States.
“Things might have been different if I was with them in Israel,” says Roee. “It was very scary for me knowing I was here in America, and they were alone and very scared.”
Despite having lived in Orlando a decade ago when their oldest child was born, resettling here has still proven challenging. However, the JAO community has provided vital support.
“We were amazed by the family-like environment at JAO,
the caring, and the motivation to actually implement the idea
that all of Israel is responsible for one another”
“The welcoming and kindness from all the staff was incredible,” says Roee, who lives in Winter Park. “We felt the warmth and their passion for teaching and being Jewish together.”
His children, in particular, have flourished thanks to the school’s inclusive environment.
“Our kids say time flies in school because they enjoy every minute,” says Roee.
Through shared holiday celebrations, Shabbat dinners with classmates’ families, and other Jewish communal events, the Ramo family feels a sense of home and belonging that serves as a lifeline.
A Port in the Storm
While some of the refugee families have now returned to Israel, all express immense gratitude for how the school lived out Jewish values of refuge and responsibility during their time in Central Florida.
One of those families is the Harpaz family.
“The school made us feel at home, providing our girls with the most loving and warm environment,” says Eyal Harpaz, father of twin toddlers. “The girls just loved it. We were amazed by the family-like environment at JAO, the caring, and the motivation to actually implement the idea that ‘all of Israel is responsible for one another.’” As for the Rukins, as they navigate their new life here in Central Florida, they are filled with a sense of hope.
“We learned after October 7 that you can’t plan plans,” says Vitali. “Life will show us what to do. But for now, we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support we have received from JAO and the Orlando community.”
While the situation in Israel remains complex, the school’s commitment to its students and the broader community is unwavering.
“In a world filled with uncertainty, children thrive on routine,” says Chana. “The support of our local community helps us maintain a consistent and secure environment for these kids, allowing them to focus on learning, growing, and healing.”
This story was originally published in print in Spring 2024.