If you’ve been paying attention to Israeli news, you’ll know that these past two months have been filled with non-stop violence on the Israeli/Gaza border. Over 5,000 IDF soldiers have been stationed on the border to protect the people of Israel. The plight of these soldiers is one that is impossible to reverse, however, together we can take steps to improve their lives as they work so hard to protect the lives of the Jewish people.
The IDF Struggle
Of the 5,000 troops, 800 of them are reservists. Reservists are older soldiers who are under an emergency order to report for duty for an indefinite amount of time. These soldiers have already completed their mandatory service. Now, they are leaving family, work, and their entire lives behind in order to protect Israeli citizens. In many cases, this pause to their lives can create financial crisis for them and their families.
Currently, there are 2 katzinim (unit brigade commanders) who are identifying soldiers in this position. They are working with Chabad to make sure that all funds from this campaign reach theses soldiers and their families. As one katzin put it, “If a soldier is worried about whether the electricity will be turned off for his family in Tel Aviv, how is he supposed to carry out a mission to save lives without risking his own?”
Monetary concerns are not the only issues for these soldiers. Spousal separation for such long periods of time can cause damage to marriage and family dynamics. These soldiers deserve a relaxing break where they can recharge and reunite with their loved ones. So the katzinim will be granting soldiers a 5-day leave to meet with their spouses and/or families. This will include an all paid stay in Eilat, The Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, or Tiberias.
Finally, there are over 500 lone soldiers currently stationed on the Gaza/Israel border. Every Thursday night, Chabad provides special evenings for these soldiers to unwind by the pool that includes a BBQ and gift bags. The pool area is donated to Chabad, while food and other supplies are supplemented by Chabad itself. This is approximately 20 shekels per soldier ($5 USD or $2,000 USD per week).
How You Will Help
Your support of this campaign will help relieve the stress of these soldiers and lessen the weight they currently carry on their backs. We cannot support them without your support! Israel needs your help. We must protect the Jewish homeland and provide the best for those that put their lives on the line for it.
While working on this campaign we received notice that an Israeli soldier was killed and three others were critically wounded. Below is the fallen soldier, IDF Sgt Aviv Levi of the Givati Brigade. His friends and family attend his funeral in Petach Tikva on July 22, 2018.
Aviv was a frequent guest of the Chabad House in Sderot. Our hearts are torn for his family. Hashem Yikom Damo. May his family be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion on this day of mourning.
This volatile situation is constantly changing. But you can contribute towards some semblance of stability for these soldiers. You can offer them some solace from the mayhem. Our soldiers are strong and determined, but at the end of the day they are human. They need the positive energy and resources we can provide them in order to continue serving the State of Israel.
About Chabad of Sderot
Sderot, a low-income city just 1 kilometer from the Gaza border, acts as a buffer between Gaza and the rest of Israel. As the closest city to Gaza it is crucial to the security of Israel on its southern border. The people of Sderot are a constant target, living in fear of rockets and mortars, running to shelters every time the sirens sound, at all hours of the day and night. The IDF and Israeli government work hard to protect them, but they can only do so much. Many residents of Sderot (40% of them children!) already suffer from anxiety and PTSD from past conflicts. Many victims of this constant terror are unable to return to work, affecting their livelihoods and local businesses. Businesses are having to close. Children are once again living in fear and terror.
Chabad of Sderot has been on the front lines for 25 years. Our programs support IDF soldiers, the elderly, children, and the needy. We provide services and supplies to IDF soldiers, daily hot meals, weekly food packages, medication, after school children’s programs, summer camps and trips and much much more. Your support will contribute to this aid and so much more than words can ever describe!
Many times we take for granted those that sacrifice for the betterment of others. We think that they will always be there for us. It’s time we stop taking them for granted and we make our gratitude known. We must show these soldiers our appreciation and support. Not only will it enhance their mental and physical health, but it will also instill a sense of hope and motivate them to stay strong as they carry out such a heavy mission for our people.
