Tallit of Kindness: Volunteers on the Battlefield
Amidst mortar shells, rockets, and missiles, they ventured to soldiers' gathering spots to bring a smile to their faces. Volunteers headed to the south with a blessed initiative: distributing tzitzit to soldiers in Gaza. And also on the kindness convoys in southern cities.
- חיים ישראלי / יום ליום
- פורסם ז' אב התשע"ד
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(Photo: Flash 90)<\/p>
"We are believers, sons of believers, and we have no one to rely on but our Father in Heaven," sang yeshiva students with soldiers along the Gaza border, while dressing them in tzitzit and encouraging them about the merits of observing the mitzvah of tzitzit.<\/p>
Last Friday evening, yeshiva students and devout volunteer individuals decided to lend a hand and participate in supporting the soldiers risking their lives fighting a cruel enemy intent on uprooting a sacred nation from the Holy Land.<\/p>
Thousands of soldiers stationed at the Gaza border and northern Israel receive extensive shipments sent by compassionate Jews, institutions, and organizations. These range from dry goods to basic necessities. Jews mobilize to uplift and support those dedicated to the sanctity of Israel.<\/p>
A short visit to IDF bases in the south reveals soldiers are moved by the love surrounding them. However, they seem a bit overwhelmed by the flood of packages accumulated by the roadside, while politely acknowledging each delivery.<\/p>
Conversely, some seek creative, effective methods to spiritually support soldiers. "We want to infuse spirituality among IDF soldiers and join them in prayers for the well-being of all Israel," says Mrs. Tehila Gazit, who, along with friend Leah Sharabi, conceived the tzitzit distribution for soldiers. Without any backing organization, these women witnessed the spiritual awakening of the people and chose to involve soldiers in this spiritual elevation as Jews witness divine miracles in these terrible wars.<\/p>
Last week, they initiated the tzitzit distribution idea, publishing their phone numbers, offering each tzitzit for 14 shekels without profit, inviting donors to join the yeshiva students eager to strengthen IDF soldiers spiritually. Within hours, donations enabled tzitzit purchases launching the campaign.<\/p>
Their goal was to ensure soldiers kept the tzitzit on. They found a factory to produce green tzitzit matching military uniforms, preventing soldiers from needing to remove them.<\/p>
Excitement grew as lone soldiers’ parents from France and Germany contacted them, seeking tzitzit, prayer books, and psalms.<\/p>
"We reached the Gaza border Thursday night," says Yossi Lachiani. "Yeshiva students eager to support soldiers brought a spiritual charge. As we approached, soldiers halted us, expressing weariness over continual deliveries. We explained this was different, waiting until advancing to the soldiers." Groups of yeshiva students praised soldiers' bravery and readiness to risk their lives for Zion's residents.<\/p>
"Suddenly their views of the religious community shifted," recalls Shlomi Gazit. Soldiers previously swayed against yeshiva students saw their affection. "In every yeshiva, prayers are recited for the soldiers daily," said Shlomi and Yosef Gazit, noting the soldiers’ newfound appreciation.<\/p>
(Photo: Flash 90)About the Mitzvah of Tzitzit <\/u><\/strong><\/p> After expressing warmth, they presented tzitzit, inviting soldiers to wear it. Learning the blessing "who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding the mitzvah of tzitzit" brought joy, even reminding some of their bar mitzvah. Misunderstandings between the blessings of tallit gadol and tzitzit katan were clarified, reviving memories of tradition.<\/p> They faced a slightly awkward moment with a soldier politely refusing tzitzit, explaining he was not Jewish. They gave him a basket of supplies, discussing the unique Jewish distinction, emphasizing those declining the tzitzit weren't Jewish.<\/p> Volunteers continued distributing tzitzit, discussing the mitzvah’s protective benefits. "We sensed soldiers' deep spiritual thirst, their excitement upon blessing the tzitzit," says Mrs. Tehila Gazit, who seeks more donors for distributing prayer books and psalms to soldiers. "We aim to bolster soldiers' spiritual side amidst the overwhelming support and supplies flowing to them," concludes Gazit.<\/p> Support in Hospitals <\/u><\/strong><\/p> Many Jews undertake personal initiatives to strengthen soldiers, with the IDF regulating such activities due to the influx of visitors.<\/p> Rabbi Meir Malka, head of a kindness movement, visited soldiers in hospitals, encouraging them and reciting psalms. He explained that a patient's plea is most impactful, echoing the statement that the Divine Presence rests above the patient's head.<\/p> He described the awakening among Jews worldwide, praying for soldiers’ speed and safety. He blessed them for recovery and protection.<\/p> <\/p> Kindness Convoys <\/u><\/strong><\/p> The "Yad Ezra V'Shulamit" organization sent truck convoys loaded with supplies from the north and center to southern gatherings, distributing food to strengthen soldiers and residents, risking rockets and alarms.<\/p> The first convoy went out on the eve of ground engagements, the second last week. Over 100 tons of food, sweets, hygiene items, ice creams, and cold watermelons were driven from the north, meeting more trucks on Route 6 to Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, and other locations.<\/p> At each stop, volunteers unloaded tons of supplies, bringing smiles to people under fire. Food baskets, fruits, and vegetables were distributed, plus popcorn and candy for children's events.<\/p> Residents, many already struggling, especially during security crises, welcomed volunteers in tears. The supply provided basic food for the hungry, while in IDF outposts, focus was on spiritual strengthening with kippahs, tzitzit, Tehillim books, canned goods, hygiene products, drinks, and fruit.<\/p> Rabbi Aryeh Lurie, CEO of "Yad Ezra V'Shulamit," emotionally noted the soldiers' joy upon receiving spiritual support alongside material aid.<\/p> "We formed deep connections with soldiers, engaging with them spiritually," shares Rabbi Lurie. "Their need for prayer was greater than physical items. They requested prayers for safety, delivering their names for pleas, and sought out kippahs for communal psalms."<\/p> Each convoy lasted about 20 hours, leaving in the morning and returning by 4 a.m.<\/p> Rabbi Shimon Pinto recalls: "We've sent aid convoys in past operations, but this reached further, even to soldier bases, showing unity from north to south."<\/p> Were there alarms and falls along the way? <\/strong><\/p> "We heard alarms and rocket launches on the road, once near an Iron Dome site that activated suddenly, or in an army vicinity when mortar fire began."<\/p> The article was published in "Yom L'Yom." Want a free two-week subscription? Click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/p>
(Photo: Flash 90)
