Scheck Hillel security guard, Aylon Levy, joined the Israeli Defense Forces in May as a member of the army reserves. His first round of service was spent with the Shiryon Corps, known for its tanks and leadership in the IDF. He later transferred to the Givati, which deals with combat in Gaza and protecting Jewish homes in the West Bank.
Throughout his service, Aylon was stationed in or near the front lines. Morah Esther Levy, Scheck Hillel Hebrew Teacher and the security guard’s mother, expressed an overwhelming concern for her son. This fear kept her in her home during the summer months, as she was unable to contact her son while he was stationed in Gaza.
After a month of silence, Morah Levy finally received a call from her son. Overcome with joy and relief, she screamed his name. “I expected the worst during his entire term, waiting for a phone call that hopefully gives good news,” she shared.
Aylon Levy’s return home in September left his mother ecstatic; in her words, she was “crying like a dog.” Upon his return, however, Aylon was unusually quiet as a result of his traumatic experiences. To help himself cope, he attended a gathering at a support house known as the בית החייל (House of the Soldier), where he connected with fellow soldiers.
“After the meeting, my Aylon returned,” said Morah Levy. The Hebrew teacher reported a significant boost in her son’s mood, saying that the meeting “saved his life emotionally” after finding others who could relate to his situation.
Morah Levy finds immense support from her husband, who, like their son, also served in the army. She also feels “huge” support from her students and fellow staff here at Scheck Hillel. The school has encouraged her to take time off from teaching, though she still chooses to teach regardless, claiming that her students bring her strength. “Being in school and teaching helps me think about something other than Aylon,” she explained.
This past October 7, Aylon returned to the Shiryon Corps and is expected to transfer once again to the Givati, where he will remain until mid-December. Morah Ester Levy describes being a mother to a soldier as “always expecting the worst and praying for the best,” though she is grateful for the love she has received.
