www.ctvp.org | Blogs | Events

Terror Victim’s Legacy Continues Through His College Friends in Israel

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 6:15:00 AM

Students in Netanya take on mitzvahs in memory of 26-year-old Alon Bakal

By Shlomo Rizel | January 17, 2016 11:25 AM

Students at the Netanya Academic College in Israel gather around Rabbi Shneur Simcha Landa and his children. They have been signing up to perform mizvahs in memory of their friend and fellow student, Alon Bakal, who was slain by a terrorist in Tel Aviv.

A group of students in Netanya, Israel, are working to make sure that the legacy of their friend, Alon Bakal, lives on.

Bakal, 26 and a native of Karmiel in the country’s north, was shot and killed in Tel Aviv on New Year’s Day—along with 30-year-old Shimon Ruimi—by Nashat Melhem, a 31-year old Israeli Arab who also later killed Israeli-Arab taxi driver Amin Shaban.

“Alon was a law student with many friends, and was full of joie de vivre,” says Rabbi Shneur Simcha Landa, who co-directs Chabad at Netanya Academic College in Israel with his wife, Musya. “The community here, both the students and the faculty, was very close to him. He was always ready to help and regularly volunteered with an organization that distributed food packages to people in need. Many of us took his passing very personally. We feel as if we lost a brother.”

Positivity in the Midst of Pain

Following Landa’s lead, hundreds of students have accepted upon themselves to do additional mitzvahs in Bakal’s memory.

Debi says she has accepted two resolutions, reflective of two parts of his sparking personality. She will be volunteering at a food pantry to memorialize his caring and generous spirit, and took upon herself to light Shabbat candles to honor his devotion toTorah observance and tradition.

During the two-and-a-half years that the Landas have been on campus, they have created an oasis of spirituality and Torah for students there. “Our mission is to show them that academia and Torah are not a contradiction,” says the rabbi, who is the son of the chief rabbi of Bnei Brak. “We want them to know that they can take their place in the profession of their choice and live a full Torah lifestyle.”

Their work reaches beyond teaching, counseling and hosting spirited Shabbat meals. Despite a stereotype prevalent in Israel that most college students come from privileged homes, the rabbi notes that many barely subside. Before holidays, he raises many thousands of shekels that he uses to provide needy students with clothing and foodstuffs with which to celebrate.

Rabbi Shneur Simcha Landa, who co-directs Chabad at Netanya Academic College in Israel, with a student there

“By Divine providence,” says the rabbi, “on Friday, before I had even heard of the attack, I sent a text message to the students discussing that the reason G‑drevealed himself to Moses in a lowly thorn bush was to teach us that the Divine can be found with us in the thorniest, most painful parts of our lives. Many of the students confided to me that that little thought gave them the strength they needed to keep on going—aware that there is someone watching over us and holding our hand. We discussed how, despite the terrible pain, we need to increase in light and positivity.”

This past Shabbat, 20 students from Netanya participated in a Shabbaton in Kfar Chabad. The weekend’s activities were dedicated in Bakal’s memory, and there was much discussion on how to proceed despite the pain that comes with the loss of someone close.

“Alon did not leave a will,” says Debi “but we believe he would be very pleased to know that his life is being memorialized through people increasing their observance and strengthening their faith for him.”

Alon Bakal fulfilled his military service as part of the Israeli Defense Forces' Golani brigade.

Students have been gathering at a booth on campus to light candles, share memories, gain strength from each other and select mitzvahs that they are pledging to do in memory of their friend.

A Resounding Response to Terror: Thousands Bring Joy to a Bride and Groom

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 10:54:00 AM

Sarah Techiya and Ariel Biegel under the chuppah immediately after their marriage. (Photo: Hadas Porush/Flash90)

JERUSALEM—As thousands of well-wishers from around Israel and the world danced and sang outside the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, hundreds more inside could be seen crying bittersweet tears as they witnessed the marriage of Ariel Biegel and Sarah Techiya Litman, the young woman whose father and brother were murdered by terrorists less than two weeks ago.

Litman’s father, Rabbi Yaakov Litman, and her brother Netanel were gunned down near their home in Kiryat Arba as they drove to a Shabbat celebration for the groom-to-be. During the shiva mourning period, the young couple decided to go on with the wedding after a brief delay, inviting people around the world to join them and fulfill the mitzvah of bringing joy to a bride and groom.

Hundreds from abroad immediately responded. Chabad on Campus centers conducted raffles that sent a group of Jewish college students to the wedding. At Chabad centers in Melbourne, Australia, and in Ottawa, Canada—and in a number of other cities in the United States as well—individuals participated in a chance to attend the wedding and send gifts to the couple.

Through the support of friends and donors, the ceremony was moved to Binyanei Hauma, the largest convention center in the Middle East. The wedding came as Jews are celebrating the Hakhel year, where unifying gatherings of Jewish men, women and children of all ages are encouraged, with an emphasis on learning Torah.

In fact, the center became so packed with well-wishers that around midnight, one of the family members tearfully asked if celebrants would volunteer to leave so that thousands who were waiting outside could join in the dancing.

Shortly after the ceremony, the bride and groom thanked all those who came to share in their happiness and addressed the enormous crowd that had come to support them.

A memorial to the bride's father, Rabbi Yaakov Litman, right, and her 18-year-old brother Netanel, who were recently slain by terrorists. (Photo: Hadas Porush/Flash90)

“Up until two weeks ago, no one knew or was interested in me and Ariel, and then in one moment on a Friday at the peak of our wedding preparations, my dad and my brother were murdered by a cruel terrorist,” said Sarah Techiya Biegel.

“There isn’t a moment that I don’t miss Netanel’s smile, or my father’s humility and modesty, and that will always accompany me,” she said. "But precisely from the pain we are experiencing in this month of courage before Chanukah, we will, together with all the nation of Israel, spread the great light of joy, giving and love that the nation of Israel has inundated us in.”

Thousands dance outside as the wedding celebration filled the International Convention Center in Jerusalem.

A Tragedy Precipitates a New Program

Wed, 4 Nov 2015 11:43:00 AM

Out of a tragedy, a new program has been launched collaboratively between the Israeli police and Chabad Shluchim (Emissaries) around the world, with Rabbi Menachem Kutner, Director of Chabad’s Terror Victims Project (CTVP) asked to serve as the liaison.

Rabbi Kutner was invited to a working meeting with the Israeli National Police Casualties Division. He introduced the officers to the work of CTVP with victims of terror and war and their families. He also familiarized them with the broad network of Chabad around the world and their dedication to the Jewish people and Jewish communities everywhere, even in the most far-flung locations.

It was out of a situation that occurred to the Israeli police that the impetus for this new initiative came about. One of the officers had had the heart-wrenching job of going to a family in Israel and telling them that their daughter had died in a car accident during a trip outside of Israel.

The mother became very angry and refused to accept what he was saying. She said it was a mistake, it couldn’t be her daughter, she’d just spoken with her two hours before as she was leaving on another leg of her trip.

The officer realized that somehow he was going to have to find proof positive of the daughter’s tragic death in order for the family to accept it.

Researching how to go about this, he was given the name of the local Chabad Shaliach in the country the daughter had been in. He called him and explained the situation and, without a moment’s hesitation, the Shaliach went immediately to the hospital late that night. He was able to confirm that this was indeed the daughter of that family.

In the words of the officer: "With the assistance of the Chabad envoy, we could return and inform the family that the news is verified, and we were able to help the family during this sensitive moment even when official state bodies were not available to help us."

Because Chabad has a presence all over the world – a network of staff and volunteers dedicated to the welfare of the Jewish people - they are able to help identify Israeli citizens who are living abroad – sometimes in tragedies like this, other times for a variety of other reasons in which families have to reach their loved ones.

Chabad’s Terror Victims Project is proud to serve as the liaison between the Israeli police and the Chabad Shluchim around the world. It is our distinctive program of assistance to victims of terror and war and their families – and our many years of experience - that makes us uniquely qualified to carry out this important role.

Say a Prayer for the Wounded

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 1:34:00 AM

Chabad Terror Victims Project (CTVP) and Chabad emissaries have been actively providing comfort and solace to the unfortunate victims of the recent terror attacks. Bringing them moral support and gifts to help boost their morale and show them how much they are appreciated and cared for.

Please take a moment to recite a Psalm for the speedy recovery of those who have been wounded.

For prayer and updated list of names in English please click here.

For prayer and updated list of names in Hebrew please click here.

7 Things You Can Do for Israel Today

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 11:38:00 AM

Once again, Jewish people in Israel are under terrorist attack. Innocent men, women and children have been killed, and many more have been injured across the country. Some of the victims were visiting theWestern Wall to pray; some were driving their kids; others were simply heading off to work. One child was riding his bicycle.

In this critical time, we all ask:

What can I do for Israel? How can I help my brothers and sisters in the Holy Land?

Obviously, Israel’s government, army and police are striving to do all in their power to protect the nation’s citizens. But there is much we can do as well, no matter how distant we are geographically.

The Torah teaches us (and history has repeatedly demonstrated to us) that the physical protection of each one of us — and, indeed, our very collective destiny! — is intrinsically connected to our spiritual activism.

When we pray or dedicate a good deed to our brothers and sisters in Israel, we create a spiritual defense shield for them that will help them through difficult and dangerous times.

In that vein, we’ve gathered some of the directives that the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of righteous memory, shared with the Jewish people worldwide during similar events; positive action we can each take for Israel and its people.

Here goes:

1. Take Up a “Call to Arms”

What it is: Before the outbreak of the 1967 war, the Rebbe prompted a literal “call to arms” to encourage Jewish males to don the holy heart-and-mind connectors known as tefillin, whose spiritual potency is foretold in the Talmud to help instill fear and deterrence in the enemy.

What to do: Help every Jewish man and boy over the age of 13 to put on tefillin today, and every weekday.

Links: Want to learn how to put on tefillin? Check out this tutorial. Don't have tefillin or seek the personal touch? Contact your local Chabad rabbi or visit a trusted Judaica source. (There a couple to choose from here. too.) Watch the Rebbe explain the power of tefillin.

2. Share the Power of Light

(Photo: mushkaphotography.com)

What it is: While this is a once-a-week mitzvah, its power lasts for an entire seven days. Lighting Shabbat and holiday candles ushers light and peace into the home and the world.

What to do: Encourage every Jewish woman and girl to light Shabbat candles every Friday before the onset of Shabbat and on the eve of Jewish holidays.

Links: Learn how to light Shabbat candles, find out what time the candles should be lit, read stories and discover the power of bringing more light into the world. Watch the Rebbe discuss the redemptive power of Shabbat candles.

3. Check Your (Spiritual) Security System

What it is: Called the “guard” of the Jewish home and the guardian of the Jewish people throughout the ages, the mezuzah is a parchment scroll containing sacred portions of the Torah that is hung on the right side of the doorpost to a Jewish home. They are also affixed on most doorposts within the home.

What to do: Do you have mezuzahs on and in your home? This is a good time have them checked to make sure they are still in tiptop shape. (It is best to check your mezuzahs annually, and at least twice every seven years.) If you don’t have mezuzahs, or are missing on some doors, now is the time to get up to snuff.

Links: Learn all about mezuzahs, how to affix them, and how and why to check them. Watch the Rebbe discuss the protective power ofmezuzah.

4. Pray

What it is: The power of prayer. Our ability to reach the gates of heaven and plead with the Almighty to make things better.

What to do: Dedicate a daily prayer for our brethren in Israel. Psalmsare especially appropriate for times like this. But feel free to go off-script and speak to G‑d directly in your own words, too. While praying, keep in mind those who were injured in the attacks, in addition to all of Israel. The prayer of children is considered to be particularly potent.

Links: Psalms. (Chapter 20 has a special significance at times such as these.) A list of victims of recent terror attacks can be found here. Watch the Rebbe discuss the potency of children's prayer in a time like this.

5. Be Financially Supportive

What it is: Give charity! The protective strength of charity is considered to be particularly strong. Consider in part also our Israel-based charity.

CTVP and all our staff and volunteers are working round the clock to aid those whose lives have been shattered – as well as the thousands of families living in fear 24/7.

We urgently need your support at this critical time – for these recent victims and for the 3,000 families already under our care.

We need you – The people of Israel need you - Please make the largest emergency donation you can to Chabad's Terror Vicitms Project Today by clicking on the link below:

DONATE NOW

6. Nurture Your Faith

What it is: What kept us going for thousands of years. Amid all crises, the faith and knowledge that G‑d is with us and protects us.

What you can do: Reach into yourself to find your innate faith. Learn about it. Speak to your family and friends about it. Gather them around your dining room table at home or the water cooler at work, and speak about our faith in G‑d and His bond with every one of us. Engender confident trust that He will guard us, and especially in His holy land.

Reach out to friends and family in Israel, or even to strangers on Facebook. Tell them that you are one with them, about the mitzvahsyou’re doing in their honor, and that you are sure that they will prevail.

Links: This year — known as a Hakhel year — is especially appropriate for such gatherings of Torah, unity, and faith. Watch the Rebbe explain the immediate relevance of Hakhel to our times, and watch the Rebbe explaining the strategic importance of faith.

7. Join the Unity Torah Scroll

What it is: The Torah is the common denominator that unites all Jewish people. Special Torah scrolls are being written in Israel, in which every single Jewish person may purchase a letter to become part of the Torah and unite together. Besides for fulfilling (at least in part) the Biblical commandment to write a Torah scroll, having a letter in these scrolls connects you and Jewish people all over the globe, in Israel and the diaspora, into one Torah-created unified entity.

What you can do: Purchase letters for yourself and your family members, and encourage others to do the same.

Links: For children, fill out this form to purchase letters (for a symbolic $1) in the special Torah for all Jewish children under bar- or bat-mitzvah age. To purchase letters for Jews of all ages in a general unity Torah, click here. Watch the Rebbe discuss the unifying power of purchasing a letter in the Torah.

Spread the Message!

What it is: If one deed is powerful, many deeds have an even greater impact.

What to do: Forward this information to your friends. Post it on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media. Print this list and hang it in your workplace.

Links: This year is a special year for Jewish get-togethers; read more about it here.

Let us pray together for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.

Chabad in Israel Launches Massive Tefillin Campaign In Response to Terror Attacks

Wed, 14 Oct 2015 11:25:00 AM

JERUSALEM—As a week of terror and stabbing attacks continued today inIsrael, the Chabad-Lubavitch Youth Organization in Israel is sending out waves of volunteers—from students to seniors—to encourage men and boys over 13 to put on tefillin prior to the start of the Jewish Sabbath.

They will do so, say officials of the group (known as Tzeirei Chabad in Israel), in light of instructions given by the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—who had issued a similar call during other dangerous times in Israel. The Rebbe initiated his groundbreaking tefillin campaign prior to the outbreak of the June 1967 war, prompting an active drive for Jewish males over the age of 13 to perform the mitzvah of tefillin.

Wrapping tefillin is part of the Rebbe’s 10 mitzvah campaigns introduced between the years of 1967 and 1976. Called mivtzoim (“campaigns”) in Hebrew, these 10 mitzvahs formed the platform upon which the Rebbe’s far-reaching program to revitalize Jewish life and observance throughout the world was built.

The laying of tefillin instills fear in the enemy, explained the Rebbe, quoting: “Then all the peoples of the earth will see that the name of the Lord is called upon you, and they will fear you.” (Deuteronomy 28:10)

Rabbis around the country are also calling for an increase in Torah study, prayer, and acts of charity and kindness. One of the most famous sayings of the Rebbe, they note, is: “Action is the main thing.”

Terrorist violence over the course of the week has left four Israeli Jews dead—Rabbi Eitam and Na’ama Henkin, who were shot and killed while driving with their children in Samaria; and Aharon Benet and Rabbi Nehemia Levi, who were stabbed in Jerusalem—and others recovering from knife wounds.

Chabad Calls for 1 Million Mitzvahs at Huge Rally in Paris

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 2:39:00 AM

Strengthening Judaism said to be the best response to terror and anti-Semitism

More than 1.5 million people crowded Paris on Sunday to condemn terrorism and anti-Semitism.

World leaders and more than 1.5 million people filled the streets of Paris on Sunday to condemn terrorism and anti-Semitism in France and worldwide. In the midst of the enormous gathering, Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries, students and volunteers were out in full force—helping men wrap tefillin, inspiring women to light Shabbat candles, and encouraging the performance of acts of kindness and good deeds, in particular, the observance of kashrut (kosher laws), following the deadly terrorist attack late Friday at the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket.

Taking their cue from the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, who taught to focus on increasing in goodness—French Jewry is spearheading a campaign to garner mitzvahs in honor of the victims.

The goal, explains Chabad Rabbi Chmouel Lubecki, “is to have 1 million people accept an additional mitzvah or good deed. The idea is spreading through social media like Facebook and WhatsApp. We see tremendous traction, as people seek to channel their grief into concrete positive action.”

French Jewry is spearheading a campaign to garner mitzvahs in honor of the victims. “The goal is to have 1 million people accept an additional mitzvah or good deed,” explains Chabad Rabbi Chmouel Lubecki.

In the midst of the crowd, Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries, students and volunteers were out in full force. Here, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Amar wraps tefillin with a man in the crowd.

Amar and other rabbis encouraged men to put on tefillin and women to light Shabbat candles.

He also encouraged the performance of acts of kindness and good deeds.

Citizens show solidarity with the four Jewish men killed in the grocery attack, including signs that read: "Je Suis Hyper Cacher."

The media covered has covered a week of violence in Paris and came out to the rally in droves.

Following the deadly terrorist attack at the Hyper Cacher kosher grocery, the observance of kashrut (kosher laws) was emphasized, and became part of signs and logos (“I Am Kosher”).

8 Torah Scrolls Dedicated to Victims of Terror in Israel

Thu, 8 Jan 2015 4:58:00 AM

Sefrei Torah written in memory of victims of terror in Israel are being used by Chabad Houses around the world.

From murdered teens to fallen soldiers, These Sifrei Torah are responding to death with the ‘Tree of Life’

These Torahs were commissioned in honor of the three Israeli teenage boys abducted and killed by Palestinians this past June. Holding them, from left, are Yankel Yankelowitz; Bentzion Chanowitz, who runs the Torah Gemach, a project of Merkos Suite 302; Yerachmiel Paskin; and sofer (Torah scribe) Rabbi Daniel Dovid Dahan.

Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Frenkel and Gilad Shaar will not be forgotten. In so many ways, the worldwide Jewish community has made it a point over the last six months to remember the names and the lives of these three Israeli teenagers kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in June.

The tributes have run the gamut—from the Jewish National Fund dedicating a forest of trees and creating gardens in memory of the boys to a family in Brooklyn, N.Y., naming their newborn son after them.

Also in Brooklyn, the Beis Yisroel Torah Gemach—a project of Merkos Suite 302 at Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York—immediately got to work getting three Torahs named in honor of the teens and deployed on loan to different Chabad Houses.

‘Special and Meaningful’

Another Torah—in honor of the 66 Israel Defense Forces soldiers who lost their lives in Israel’s summer war with Hamas in Gaza—was commissioned and sent to Chabad Lubavitch of Missoula, Mont., co-directed by Rabbi Berry and Shayna Nash. They serve students at the University of Montana and the local Jewish community.

The rabbi’s father, Leibish Nash, traveled from New York to Montana with the Torah in tow, literally, in a backpack. It came in time for the brit milahof the Nashes’ baby son, Mendel, on Aug. 21 (they also have a 2-year-old daughter, Riva), which was the firstminyan they had since establishing the Chabad center in May.

The war ended five days later, with a cease-fire on Aug. 26.

“To us, the Torah is very special and meaningful,” says Rabbi Berry Nash. “It makes us feel like we aren’t missing out on the special brachos [blessings] that we can elicit from on high. Someone from here was so excited he even prepared Maftir [the Haftorah portion] to read one week.

“We try to arrange a minyan once monthly,” he notes. “We don’t get one every time, but it’s coming along. We’ll get there soon.”

The donor of the above four Torahs, who would like to remain anonymous, is from New York’s Upper West Side.

Chanowitz holds the small Torah named for the Israeli teens, which was sent to Chabad of the Big Island in Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

According to Bentzion Chanowitz, who runs the Torah Gemach, four more Torahs are getting ready to be sent to Chabad centers that need them. These are in honor of the rabbis murdered in mid-November by Palestinian terrorists in a synagogue in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Nof: Rabbi Moshe Twersky, 59; Rabbi Kalman Levine, 55; Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, 68; and Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky, 43.

“The lives lost in Israel in the second half of 2014 were beyond tragic,” says Chanowitz, “but their names have been connected to Torahs now being used and read by Jews in different parts of the world on a regular basis. We thank the donors and honor the families.”

A Synagogue is Dedicated to a Fallen Israeli Soldier

Wed, 1 Oct 2014 3:57:00 PM

Under the direction of Chabad Shaliach Rabbi Shneur Brod and Chabad’s Terror Victims Project, a synagogue in the Ir Yamim Mall in Netanya was dedicated in memory of fallen soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul.

Named the Hadar Oron Synagogue, it commemorates these two heroic young men who died defending our precious Jewish homeland and its people.

Shabbos Aba

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 10:37:00 AM

This Shabbos, our hearts and thoughts will turn to remembering Daniel Tregerman, A"H.

This beautiful four-year-old little boy was killed by mortar shells at Nahal Oz. At his funeral, his grandfather tearfully spoke of how much his little grandson loved “Shalom Aleichem” and then, in a voice cracked with pain, the grandfather slowly sang the lovely melody.

When our CTVP staff went to comfort and assist the Tregerman family, they reiterated again how much "Shalom Aleichem" meant to Daniel.

This week, at our own Shabbos tables, let us keep Daniel’s memory alive by dedicating our own “Shalom Aleichem” to him and to his family.

Together we will remember Daniel forever. May his memory be for a blessing.

To print a flyer in high resolution in Hebrew please click here

To print a flyer in high reslution in English please click here

Letters Pour In to Israeli Soldiers, Offering Support and Pledging a Mitzvah

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 3:18:00 AM

A CTVP / Chabad.org campaign proves effective in getting good words and deeds out to those who need them most

IDF troops were moved and delighted by the letters they received, along with news of mitzvot done to support them. (Photo: CTVP)

By Faygie Levy | August 17, 2014 1:34 PM

The emails came in from around the world and in a host of languages—English, Spanish, Russian and more. Some letters were written by seniors, others by children. A few of the letters had pictures attached, others not. Most of the writers committed to doing a mitzvah, an act of goodness—be it giving charity, lighting Shabbat candles, increasing Torah study or reciting prayers.

But the letters had two things in common: their message of thanks to soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, who have been risking their lives as part of “Operation Protective Edge,” and the fact that they were written by readers ofChabad.org, who signed on to Chabad.org’s Write-a-Letter/Do-a-Mitzvah campaign to help Israel during its war with Hamas in Gaza.

“As soon as the military situation in Gaza began, we knew we had to do something,” says Rabbi Mendy Kaminker, editorial coordinator of Chabad.org. “We followed the advice of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—who always said the best way to help any situation is to increase in the performance of mitzvot of every kind.

“We thought that if people could dedicate a mitzvah and connect with a soldier, it would have a tremendously uplifting effect on both the soldier and the person taking on the mitzvah.”

After promoting the campaign on all of Chabad.org’s websites—there are eight language-specific sites—and on the websites of Chabad centers around the world, Kaminker says that “we got thousands and thousands of letters, some that included images of a person actually doing the mitzvah.”

The letters were then sent to the offices of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel, which distributed them through its Chabad Terror Victims Project to soldiers stationed near the Gaza border. In fact, whenever CTVP volunteers or staff went to visit soldiers, they handed out letters, along with other items or surprises—be it ice-cream, New York Yankees baseball caps, or bags filled with toiletries or snacks.

Getting the Message Out

“It was amazing for the soldiers to get these letters,” says CTVP associate director Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov, who personally handed out some of the letters (and those ball caps provided by a New York-based donor) to male and female soldiers. Noting that the letters were in different languages, Swerdlov says that he held them up and announced, “Who speaks Spanish? Who speaks Russian?”

“They were very excited that the emails were in different languages,” reports Swerdlov. “More than anything, though, they were quite surprised to be getting letters from around the world. They were just shocked; they said they couldn’t believe that people all over the world were writing to them.”

They also felt better knowing that so many people did not pay credence to the spate of negative media aimed at Israel. “It was good for them to see that not everybody feels the same,” attests Swerdlov.

“We thought that if people could dedicate a mitzvah and connect with a soldier, it would have a tremendously uplifting effect on both the soldier and the person taking on the mitzvah.” (Photo: CTVP)

That’s a message the letter-writers wanted the soldiers to understand.

“I don’t know who you are, but I know what you stand for. I know you stand between Israel and its enemies. I know you fight not just for yourself, but for all of us who stand behind Israel,” wrote a young mother from New Mexico, who took on the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. “Whether you are or are not a Jew, the fact that you are a soldier in IDF means that you fight to protect Judaism. For this, I owe you my gratitude. Thank you for protecting my homeland. Thank you for protecting your home. … ”

And an 11-year-old girl in England wrote: “Dear soldier, I support you in Israel. I decided to follow the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s advice and am going to give [tzedakah]. I really do hope the war against Gaza stops soon! Lots of people are supporting you. Good luck.”

Rabbi Yossi Swerdlov of Chabad Terror Victims Project shares a letter with an IDF soldier. (Photo: CTVP)

For some, though, the work that the IDF has been doing is profoundly personal. As Daiana from Buenos Aires wrote, “I have family in Israel and a sister in Beersheva. Thanks for watching [over] them, and sorry that the world is not more support[ive]. … ”

Each letter also included the writer’s email address, allowing recipients the opportunity to respond, and readers who received a reply from an IDF soldiers are encouraged to share the reply in the comments section of the page.

Even though a cease-fire is currently in effect, the letters are still arriving because, as Kaminker says, “people feel their letters and their mitzvahs are the least they can do—from wherever they are—to send their support.”

Those wishing to join in the effort can click here to participate.

For some writers, the work that the IDF has been doing is profoundly personal.(Photo: CTVP)

Swerdlov and fellow CTVP staff handed out the letters, along with whatever else they were bringing that day—be it ice-cream, New York Yankees baseball caps, or bags filled with toiletries or snacks. (Photo: CTVP)

Even though a cease-fire is currently in effect, the letters are still arriving. (Photo: CTVP)

In a Moving Ceremony, Netanyahu Pens Letter in ‘Soldiers’ Sefer Torah

Fri, 8 Aug 2014 3:40:00 AM

Just before attending a news conference with the international press on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first had some important to business to take care of: writing a letter in a new Torah scroll started by Agudat Chasidei Chabad of Israel in the merit of soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.

As he prepared to make his first public appearance since the beginning of the 72-hour cease-fire that ended Friday morning, the prime minister took part in what he called an especially moving ceremony, and said of the upcoming press conference: “There, I will do again what the Rebbe (Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory) told me to do decades ago—to light a small candle in the great darkness of lies that surround us.”

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov, director of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel, invited the prime minister to hold the feather and write a letter in the first verse of the Torah. He stated that in Jewish tradition, the letters of the Torah have special protective merit.

Using a quill pen, he inscribed a letter on the parchment scroll. Letters in the Torah scroll with be dedicated to each and every soldier in the IDF—those currently in service and reservists.

“We all value our soldiers, our heroes who are fighting in this just fight to protect our citizens,” said Netanyahu.

Aharonov said “we are assured that every soldier for whom a letter has been written in this special Torah will feel a measure of security. In our tradition, the letters of the Torah are especially potent with regards to safety and security, and we felt it incumbent upon us to deploy this spiritual means of security for our troops.”

Netanyahu also revealed that on Shabbat during the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, that “the only time that I have a few minutes with my family, we read the weekly Torah portion at the end of our Shabbat meal together, and this gives us a lot of strength.”

Also accompanying the prime minister were Rabbi Yitzchok YehudaYaroslavsky, secretary of the Association of Chabad Rabbis in Israel; Rabbi Yisrael Halperin, shaliach to Herzliya; mayor of Kfar Chabad Rabbi Benyamin Lifshitz; and Rabbi Uriel Lemberg, general-secretary of Agudat Chasidei Chabad.

Halperin told how he served under the prime minister’s older brother, YonatanNetanyahu, who died leading the Operation Entebbe hostage-rescue mission in 1976. Halperin said how when he served, he had prepared to give Yoni tefillin, but he did not get the chance. “Now, I want to finally close the circle and give [you] the tefillin that I wanted to give Yoni.”

The premier received the tefillin with tears in his eyes.

Aharonov emphasized the importance of encouraging Jewish men everywhere to don tefillin, pointing to the “Tefillin Campaign” launched by the Rebbe before the Six-Day War in 1967, noting that: “The nations of the world will see that the name of G d is called upon you, and they will fear you.” (Deuteronomy 28:10)

Iron Dome Soldiers Thank Chabad for their Help

Fri, 8 Aug 2014 3:16:00 AM

The commanders of the Iron Dome defense system in the near Kfar Chabad requested a meeting with the with Chabad representatives in order to thank them for support and visits during their stay in Kfar Chabad.

Volunteers from Kfar Chabad visited the soldiers every day, putting on Teffilin with them and bringing them food and other necessities and doing what they can to lift their spirits.

They preseted Chabad with a plaque that reads “You gave us the will and the Koach (strengnth) to defend the home front,” .

Chabad Campaign Sweeps Through Israel: ‘With G-d’s Help, We Will Prevail’

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 2:36:00 PM

From a new Torah scroll to honor soldiers, and tefillin and Shabbat candles with a timely message, Chabad works to instill hope and faith throughout the country

By Menachem Posner | July 29, 2014 10:32 AM Hundreds of brochures a day with the "With G-d's Help We Will Prevail" theme are handed out daily in Jerusalem's Machane Yehuda open air market.

“With G‑d’s help, we will prevail” is a line popping up all over Israel: on banners hanging from porches, on the covers of information brochures, on the glossy packages of Shabbat candles—and just about anywhere else Chabadvolunteers are able to reach.

In Hebrew, the phrase is just three words long, Beezrat Hashem ninatzeach!. Written in short form, the first two words contract to also be read as, “In Gaza.” Thus, the double catchphrase: “With G‑d’s help, we will prevail!” and “We will prevail in Gaza!”

The slogan runs through the multi-pronged campaign of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel and Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries throughout the country to bring spiritual assurance and inspiration to civilians and soldiers alike as “Operation Protective Edge” enters its third week.

Central to the campaign is the new Torahscroll being commissioned in the merit of the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces.

Members of the Chabad community are called upon to canvass for names of soldiers in whose merit letters will be written, and distribute forms for others to sign up a letter in the Torah scroll for them or their enlisted loved one(s). Last week, Chabad leaders met with Israel's Minister of Defense MosheYa'alon, who was the first to inscribe a letter in the new Torah scroll.

Inspiring and Uplifting Teachings from the Rebbe

Brochures with information and prayers to be said when laying tefillin, in addition to custom-made Shabbat candle kits, are being distributed with the same comforting message of hope emblazoned on their covers.

A specially prepared booklet has also been published with the Torah thoughts and teachings of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—culled from his talks and letters when Israel went through similar challenges in the past.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon pens the first letter of a Torah scroll written for the security of the troops. To his left is the sofer, Rabbi Mordechai Lishner; on his right is Rabbi Yosef YitzchakAharonov, director of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel. (Photo: Shalom Lavi)

In addition, Chabad has distributed fliers with appropriate prayers and selections of psalms to be recited in times of danger. It is accompanied with a list of wounded Israeli soldiers. Following custom, it lists their Hebrew names, as well as their mothers’ names.

From banners and streamers hung from homes, shops and business places all over the country to videos and social media, the Chabad Youth Organization, Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries, and volunteers are determined to deliver the Rebbe’s message of faith, good deeds and a positive spirit to people throughout the country, based on the certain belief that “with G‑d’s help, we will prevail.”

In Hebrew, the phrase is just three words long, Beezrat Hashem ninatzeach!. Written in short form, the first two words contract to also be read as, “In Gaza.” Thus, the double catchphrase: “With G-d’s help, we will prevail!” and “We will prevail in Gaza!"

Joining the Effort from Abroad

For those wishing to help in the effort from abroad, Chabad.org has set up a special web page where people can dedicate a mitzvah and write a note to IDF soldiers in general.

Mitzvahs and notes can be specifically directed to the wounded, and printouts will be hand-delivered by staff and volunteers of the Chabad Terror Victims Project.

Those wishing to write a letter and dedicate a mitzvah to IDF soldiers can click here to participate.

For more news, impressions, mitzvahs and prayers related to “Operation Protective Edge,” click here.

For those wishing to pray for the wounded, the following is the notice containing the Hebrew names of those who were hospitalized as of last Friday, along with their mothers’ names, which are to be used in prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.

Readers can click on the photo of the ad below for a full-size image of the ad for easier viewing of the names of the hospitalized soldiers.

An ad in Israeli media provides the Hebrew names of the injured, along with their mothers’ first names; the hospitals in which they are being treated; and Psalm 20.

CTVP Begins Writing a New Torah Scroll as a 'Means of Security for our Troops’

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 6:10:00 AM

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon writes first letter in a new Torah scroll to honor soldiers as a 'means of security for our troops’

Chabad.org Staff | July 24, 2014 6:58 PM

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon pens the first letter of a Torah scroll written for the security of the troops. To his left is the sofer, Rabbi Mordechai Lishner; on his right is Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov, director of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel. (Photo: Shalom Lavi)

Israel’s Defense Minister Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon set aside a few minutes on Thursday to write the first letter in a new Torah scroll being written in Israel in the merit of the soldiers.

Using a quill pen, he wrote the letter bet, of the word Bereishit (“In the Beginning”) on the parchment scroll. Letters will be dedicated to every soldier in the Israel Defense Forces—those currently on active duty, as well as all reservists.

The sofer, or scribe, is Rabbi Mordechai Lishner of Kfar Chabad in Israel.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov, director of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel, said during the ceremony: “We are assured that every soldier for whom a letter has been written in this special Torah will feel an added measure of security. In our tradition, the letters of the Torah are especially potent with regards to safety and security, and we felt it incumbent upon us to deploy this spiritual means of security for our troops.”

The defense minister then wrapped tefillin and recited a short prayer.

Aharonov emphasized the importance of encouraging Jewish men everywhere to don tefillin, pointing to the “Tefillin Campaign” launched by the Rebbe—RabbiMenachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—before the Six-Day War in 1967, noting that: “The nations of the world will see that the name of G-d is called upon you, and they will fear you.” (Deuteronomy 28:10)

Afterwards, he wrapped tefillin and recited a prayer. (Photo: Shalom Lavi)