Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, spiritual leader of Chabad @ Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, headed a special delegation from Toronto to Israel amidst the war in Gaza.
He met with Israel Defense Forces soldiers, parents that lost their children in battle, and communities in the south terrorized by rocket fire from Hamas terrorists.
Gripped with great emotion, Rabbi Kaplan, describes the incredible trip and the phenomenal outpouring of love and unity during Operation Protective Edge.
VIDEO: Courtesy of Jewish.TV
While local Israeli Rabbis are more in tune to the culture and mentality of the IDF soldiers, a foreign Rabbi from Canada is viewed with far greater curiosity and novelty.
I don’t know if R’ Kaplan is fluent in the lingo but he seems to connect in the spirit.
Was there a pressing need for the soldiers that R’ Kaplan visit them? Probably not, but maybe R’ Kaplan needed the visit for his own conscience and sense of self.
I had tears in my eyes as I watched this video. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! BEZ”H I am going to Israel tomorrow with a lighter heart!
vey inspiring thanx for sharing!
Rabbi Kaplan is to be commended for his incredible love for his fellow yid.
gives some of the clearest and informative classes on Chabad.org on Sefer Hamitzvohs and other subjects – they are real treasures. It’s so nice to also see his Gemilas Chesed side.
There are many rabbis in Israel but none like R’ Mendy K! He went with all his heart, not just for a photo-op and cheap publicity, and his community is served well even when he leaves for a short time.
Reb mendel wow it brought tears to my eyes lets hope this acdus will bring moshiach thank you reb mendel thank you the jewish community
Doesnt matter if there are local rabbis or not!
The Jews must show their appreciation to IDF and support Israel by traveling there.
Like the rabbi was saying in the video, the people were so appreciatove and moved that he came all the way from toronto!
The people in israel and idf definitely appreciate the support!!
Absolutely beautiful. I just want to mention that during the Gulf War I was planning a visit to Israel. My parents who lived in Israel asked me not to come due to the danger etc. I didnt know what to do. On the one hand the Rebbe had said EY is the safest place and one should not change ones plans and then I had the question of kibbud Av . I wrote into the Rebbe and received an answer “Aiyn Ma Lfached” There is nothing to worry about. So I guess that removed my parents concern. Everyone deeply appreciated… Read more »
yashar koach rabbi kaplan your ahavas yisroel is so inspiring! You speak sincerely from your heart and it has entered mine. From my years of seminary in Toronto, I have fond memories from your lessons and hospitality. May hashem bench you for being an living example.
Yael Rosenberger
I don’t get the need to import extra rabbis, as if there is a shortage of local ones in Israel. Unless there is a special need to fly half way around the world, each rabbi should dedicate his time serving HIS own community. V’ten chelkainu b’toratecha – give us our own share of Torah rabbis.
Tisha bav is in it`s last moments here in London Uk as I switched on to hear this. It is so heartwarming and incredibly beautiful to hear such sentiments and heartfelt praise of Am yisroel. I am so inspired and am now much more motivated to go ahead with our plans to visit EY this summer. We were really in two minds. Yasher Koach, you may be inspired by your visit but you have also truly inspired others. mi mk`amcha Yisroel. May Hashem bring the yeshua for us all with Moshiach now!
Thank you for Rabbi Kaplan for your beautiful and inspiring words.
amazing!
Rabbi Mendel Kaplan personifies the epitome of a
chosid chabad as expressed in the acronym of CHABAD:
Chochmah Binah Daas (intellect -Talmid Chochom and Maskil) and “Cham libi bikirbi Bahagigi sivar aish Dibarti bilshony” -Tehilim 39- (emotion,warmth).
Thank you Mendel for your inspiration,Sholom Dovid