Gar’in Danielle is the Nahal Group named in loving memory of the outstanding young woman Danielle Sonnenfeld, a”h, who was killed in a tragic car accident when she was only 20 years old.  As a beloved volunteer in the group, Danielle’s remarkable devotion to the young girls of Miftan Elementary School in Akko was legendary, and she served as a paragon of kindness and devotion in the community. In a show of gratitude to the unforgettable Danielle, the Garin adopted her name to serve as its guiding light.

Acco, a mixed city, ranks low on the socioeconomic scale in Israel, presenting great challenges to National Service volunteers stationed in its environs.  For the past two years, a National Service Garin has worked side by side with the Military Preparatory School in the Mandate District of Akko. Their work in the city exposes the volunteers to a Jewish community in an unfortunate state of decline.  Resident are aging, synagogues are closing, and schools are dwindling one after the next. Jewish community services in the region are few and underfunded, typical of the general social and economic distress in a city where assimilation and even intermarriage have become serious threats.

The Torani National Service Gar’in Danielle is named in memory of Danielle Sonnenfeld, a”h, who was killed in a tragic car accident when she was only 20 years old.  As a volunteer in the Garin, Danielle’s outstanding devotion to the girls of Miftan Elementary School in Akko was legendary, and she served as a paragon of kindness and devotion in the community. In a show of gratitude to the unforgettable Danielle, the Garin adopted her name which now serves as its guiding light.

Garin Lev Danielle, literally, Danielle’s Heart, has established its goal of increasing Jewish presence and influence in the city by empowering its Jewish community.   With determination and hard work, the Garin is infusing Acco with young blood by drawing young, dynamic Torani families to the city and raising the level of Jewish awareness among the younger residents. The Garin’s immediate goals include reviving the central Beit Medrash in the city and transforming it into the spiritual hub of the community and creating a reserve of young people from the Garin who will make Acco their future homes.

This group of idealistic young families will serve the buttress of Acco’s Jewish community and faithfully support all its aspects. Escorted by the Avner Military Preparatory School under the auspices of Harav Achikam Goetz, shlit”a, they will fill the synagogues, streets, and schools with Jewish children.

Taking practical steps to achieve these lofty goals, the Garin in Acco has developed and implemented several important projects and activities:

Shvil Danielle (Danielle’s Path): Working conjunctively with Avner Military Preparatory School and National Service volunteers in Akko, the volunteers “adopt” elderly Jews and immigrant Indian Jews from the Bnei Menashe sect living in Acco and assist them through various acts of charity and chesed.

Danielle Project for the Future of Akko: A direct continuation of the Torani academic programs geared to Avner and National Service alumni combining Torah studies with an academic degree. The program was established in conjunction with Michlelet Sha’anan, Michlelet Hagalil Hama’aravi and Haifa University.

Garin Nahal Danielle:  A military Nahal Garin for alumni of Avner Military Preparatory School who serve for one year in Akko in the framework of their military service.

Watch: Garin Danielle—Acco  Promotional video

Minister of Housing Uri Ariel, Rosh Mechinah Rabbi Achikam Getz, Akko Mayor

New Religious Military Preparatory School in Akko

Starting this Elul, some 35 students from around Israel will commence their studies in the brand-new military preparatory school in Akko as spiritual and emotional preparation for their future military service.