Volunteering for Our Heroes: A Rare Sense of Joy in a Noble Mission

It was unexpected: "I'm going home, I can't. I need my own space." Omer Amsalem was on his way out of a retreat that hadn't even begun. As an initial initiative, Hidabroot invited war veterans, including Omer, to family vacations to provide them a bit of peace of mind. Representatives from Hidabroot accompanied them throughout the Shabbat. Akiva Ben David was one of them. "I sat with Omer outside to talk to him and try to understand a little of what a hero of Israel goes through, someone who gave of his soul, quite literally."

The souls of these war veterans have been dedicated to the defense of the Jewish people, and parts of them remained on the battlefield. "The man told me about the horrific condition he's living in, and it turns out that post-trauma and battle shock have taken over other areas of his life related to basic life functioning. Omer felt everything closing in on him. Akiva was also stunned, but in a different way: "Standing before me was an Israeli hero, deserving of our brave salute. It's unbearable that he lives in such a despairing reality."

In the picture: Israeli hero, Omer Amsalem in an interview for the Hidabroot channel

"We Need to Raise Our Heroes on High"

Our sources say that Jews killed for the sanctification of Hashem’s name merit to reach the highest level in Gan Eden, and that they possess great holiness (Bava Batra 10b, Zohar, Genesis 2:17).

"The IDF fallen, killed in the sanctification of Hashem’s name, receive a place of honor in the upper world, yet here, those soldiers whose souls remain on the battlefield live in degrading conditions," says Ben David. "We need to lift these heroes of Israel high."

How did the Hidabroot initiative that developed into a special department, "Banefshenu," to assist war veterans, begin?

"Like many departments within Hidabroot, it grew from the grassroots. It began with requests for help from war veterans and their families. The high volume of requests led us to expand our activities beyond the classical definition of bringing Jewish hearts closer to Hashem, and thus the 'Banefshenu' department was established, as our basic gratitude to these precious people is something that is fundamental to us all."

Emergency Call: "Come Give Just One Hour a Week and Receive the World and More"

"An 18-year-old chooses to risk his life, forgoing almost entirely any free time, social life, or anything private," say members of the 'Banefshenu' department at Hidabroot, and add: "That young person knows he might not return alive, or he might come back wounded in body and soul, and in a single moment, his life can change entirely, yet he stands there in battle, protecting us all by choice and faith.

"Many of their lives have turned completely upside down. They live in an unbearable, bleak reality that is doubly painful when they feel doors closing in their faces, but we, all of us, will open the door for them and our hearts. It is our moral obligation as a society, and therefore each and every one of us should heed the emergency call we shout: Come donate just one hour a week and receive the world and more."

Department management also speaks of the veterans' need for companionship and how even a little company from an ordinary person can make a big difference for them.

"Some Are Ashamed of Their Situation"

"A significant number simply do not leave their houses. They isolate themselves, some are ashamed of their situation, and even basic things like withdrawing money from an ATM or a daily walk are avoided because of their condition. That's why we're calling out to everyone with their hearts in the right place. Wives of the veterans would also gladly welcome a kind-hearted volunteer to help."

On that retreat, when Akiva Ben David gave his heart to Omer Amsalem and went out of his way to help in any way he could, he saw before him a person with tears of joy in his eyes. "This feeling, of happiness born from a wonderful mission—it has no substitute in the whole world. I thank Hashem for granting me the privilege to help," Akiva says with emotion, adding that the families who entered the hotel were not the same families who left. "There was a light to them and hope was born in their hearts, knowing someone cares about them. Someone to break their painful routine, even if just slightly."

Hidabroot is calling you to action - come volunteer one hour a week with war veterans or their families to lighten their hearts and yours. Send us a WhatsApp to 073-2013729, or emailbenafshenu@htv.co.il . You can also call 073-333-3342, or fill out the details below