In an emotional and direct journey from France to the front lines in Gaza, Rabbi Yossi Amar, Director of Beth Chabad 77, accompanied by a large delegation from his community who came especially for this occasion, donated dozens of pairs of tefillin and Chitat books for the protection and safety of IDF soldiers.
For 20 years now, Rabbi Yossi Amar has been organizing this special mission. This year, in the context of the “Iron Swords” war, this initiative has taken on an even deeper and more moving significance.
As part of this project, thirty fallen IDF soldiers from the Kfir, Givati, Golani brigades, and the Gaza Division were symbolically adopted. Each tefillin bag given to a soldier was embroidered with the name of a fallen soldier, and the adopting soldier committed to donning the tefillin in their honor. For many soldiers, this was the first time in their lives that they received a pair of tefillin.
The emotion was overwhelming when they discovered that some of the names on the bags belonged to their comrades-in-arms, with whom they had fought side by side. Some shared stories of bravery and sacrifice, and the sense of mission to continue their comrades’ legacy through the mitzvah of tefillin gave them strength and courage.
Together, the delegation visited wounded soldiers in the hospital, military bases near the border, uplifted the soldiers’ spirits, danced and celebrated with them, distributed pairs of tefillin, and recited Psalms and prayers for their safety. One member of the delegation expressed his emotion: “We came to give strength, and we left strengthened. Seeing the fighting spirit and unity of the soldiers, despite the pain and loss, is an incredible source of inspiration.”
As part of this initiative, a large and generous barbecue meal was offered to around 400 soldiers across various bases. The combination of spiritual support and physical comfort created a warm, fraternal, and encouraging atmosphere. The soldiers’ faces reflected deep emotion from the heartfelt embrace given to them by the delegation. Rabbi Amar expressed special gratitude to R’ Eliyahu Gutman from Ezer La’Chayal, who contributed to the success of this powerful and emotional mission.
In these difficult times, the connection between Jewish communities in the diaspora and IDF soldiers brings hope, strength, and comfort. This encounter, bridging past, present, and future, embodies the values of unity, generosity, and faith in victory with God’s help. You too can take part in this great mitzvah and support our soldiers here: https://don-chabad77.org/israel/ . A huge THANK YOU for your precious support!
