At the height of the “Lion’s Roar” war and amidst security tensions on all fronts, the Ezer Lachayal organization launched an unprecedented logistical operation to distribute Shmura Matzah.
The operation was dedicated to the memory of the Chassid R’ Chaim Gurevitch, who fell while performing the mitzvah of distributing Matzah in the US—sponsored by his brother, the philanthropist R’ Menachem Gurevitch.
Throughout the holiday preparations, dedicated volunteer teams headed deep into the field, delivering both physical and spiritual supplies based on requests reaching the command center: from the southern border of Gaza to the northern outposts on the borders of Lebanon and Syria. This ensured that thousands of active-duty and reserve soldiers could fulfill the mitzvah of eating Shmura Matzah, following the Rebbe’s personal directive.
Senior Commanders Visit the Front Lines of Action:
A moving moment was recorded when a delegation of senior officers from the Home Front Command and the C4I Corps arrived for a special visit to the heart of the activity—the Ezer Lachayal HQ in Kfar Chabad. The officers were deeply impressed by the scale of the operation, creating a great Kiddush Hashem. They later visited the famous Kfar Chabad Matzah Bakery, hosted by Yossi Haddad, and concluded at “770” for prayer and spiritual preparation for the holiday with Rabbi Menachem Latar.
The “Kimcha D’Pischa” Project:
In the heart of Kfar Chabad, dedicated volunteer Mrs. Yaroslavsky coordinated the distribution of special aid packages for families in the Chabad community whose loved ones were mobilized to the reserves to protect the people of Israel.
Honor to Lubavitch:
In collaboration with the IDF Chief Rabbinate, children of reserve military rabbis enjoyed an experiential Matzah baking workshop, beautifully delivered by artist R’ Mendy Rubin.
A Grand Seder for Lone Soldiers:
In partnership with Chabad of North Tel Aviv, led by the Shliach Rabbi Krinberg, Ezer Lachayal hosted dozens of lone soldiers in a luxury hotel. The soldiers—some coming straight from the battlefield, others dealing with PTSD—sat at tables fit for kings, surrounded by a supportive community and Chassidic warmth, truly feeling like “Free Men.”
A Kosher and Joyous Passover:
Throughout the intermediate days of the holiday, the HQ remained fully active (“Kosher for Passover”), continuing to provide solutions for urgent needs from the field.
Seudat Moshiach:
The holiday concluded with powerful “Seudat Moshiach” feasts held with soldiers on various bases. Led by R’ Jeremy Sudakiewicz and dedicated volunteers, the soldiers partook in the four cups and Matzah, fueled by prayer, anticipation, and the firm belief in the coming of Moshiach.
