In a small town in Israel, where the stress and uncertainty of wartime have left their mark on every household, a group of forty young professionals from CYP embarked on a mission to spread joy and support to families in need. The picturesque town of Mazkeret Batya became the backdrop for a heartwarming event organized by the young professionals as part of their dedication to making a difference during these challenging times.
The CYP International Mission to Israel, led by Rabbi Yosef and Devora Wilhelm of CYP Upper East Side, saw forty young Jewish professionals put a weeklong pause on their daily lives to offer a helping hand and provide solace to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Dedicated to supporting everyone impacted by the difficulties in the holy land, the young professionals decided to focus one segment of their mission on supporting the families and wives of soldiers—the critical yet unsung heroes of the war. The evening was filled with joy and excitement as the young professionals transformed a community center in Mazkeret Batya into a carnival wonderland for the kids. They organized games, treats, and prizes, providing families with a much-needed break from their worries. Children and mothers alike had the opportunity to forget the challenges they faced, if only for a moment, and simply be kids again.
“The collaboration with CYP helped us fulfill a dream and provide substantial pampering to the families of the soldiers who are on the front lines and in reserve duty,” said Rabbi Yosef Glitzenshtein, who, together with his wife Chami, are Shluchim in Mazkeret Batya, which also happens to be the longtime sister city of CYP Upper East Side. “We thank Hashem for enabling us to give back to those who truly deserve it.”
Even the harsh realities of an ongoing conflict couldn’t deter these young professionals from their mission of love and support. The initiative reached deep into the hearts of those they encountered, leaving an indelible mark on the families they helped.
Moriah Vider, the wife of a soldier from the reserves, said, “As the wife of a soldier who hasn’t been home since October 7th, I am immensely thankful for the event Chabad organized. It was beautifully executed, and as a mother of three, the significance of such events is immeasurable. Beyond the joy it brought to the children, the event highlighted the sense of unity and shared emotions within the Jewish people during these challenging times.”
Efrat Gelzar, whose husband was also called up for reserve duty on October 7th, echoed the sentiment, “Knowing that even on the other side of the world, there are people who care about us, want to help and share in our hardships is heartwarming. These are the things that truly reflect the concern of the Jewish people and the support for our soldiers and families.”
Dani Samet, a Speech Language Pathologist from the Upper East Side, summed up the impact of the evening, stating, “Being able to help those putting their lives on the line for our country is an indescribable feeling that showed me the unity amongst our people despite the atrocities we have faced.”
The impact of this experience on the young professionals is profound, as Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, noted, “This trip exemplifies the tremendous Ahavas Yisroel that drives everything Shluchim do. It’s about being a giver, supporting those in need, and feeling the eternal bond with the Jewish people in times of adversity.”
