Aharon Saadon, deputy director of Ramat Gan Yeshiva, told Channel 7 at the "Bechol Levavcha" conference in Jerusalem that much of the event was produced while he was serving in reserve duty in Lebanon. He spoke from the Channel 7 stand at the conference in Binyanei HaUma and said he returned to civilian life on Sunday before coming straight to the event.
Saadon described the period as difficult but meaningful, saying that even during the fighting, knowing such a conference was taking place gave him strength. He said he felt he was meeting "Am Yisrael" at a time of courage and spiritual searching, noting that despite the challenges people were looking for "inner" content.
According to Saadon, this year the conference surpassed last year’s attendance record. He called that result remarkable and said participants told organizers, "You gave us a different air for this summer." He said the emotional response from the crowd was deeply moving for him.
This is the conference’s 14th year. Saadon said the theme, "Le'orer libi" or "Awaken my heart," came from a melody that spread through dances and weddings and inspired the organizers to focus on people’s desire for excitement and inspiration, especially now. "The public is voting with its feet," he said, adding that organizers try to awaken hearts on their side and ask God to awaken hearts as well.
