Mitzvah Tanks Gear Up For The Rebbe’s 124th Birthday

In a powerful display of Jewish pride and outreach, 76 Mitzvah Tanks—marking 76 years of the Rebbe’s Nesiyus—will roll out from 770 Eastern Parkway on Thursday, 8 Nissan (March 26), in honor of the Rebbe’s 124th birthday.

The annual parade traces its roots back to 1974, in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, when the Rebbe launched a revolutionary campaign: sending “tanks” into the streets—not of steel, but of mitzvos. More than fifty years later, that mission continues to grow in scope and urgency.

This year, dozens of Mitzvah Tanks, staffed by dedicated bochurim from yeshivos around the world, will pass 770 before heading into Manhattan and fanning out across New York City. Their mission: to bring Torah and mitzvos to the streets—offering tefillin to hundreds of men, distributing Shabbos candles, and sharing thousands of matzos with passersby, transforming the city into a hub of Jewish pride and connection.

“The moment the tanks roll past 770 is the most precious,” said Rabbi Mordy Hirsch, Executive Director of the Mitzvah Tank Organization. “Each tank is loaded with matzah, tefillin, and Shabbos candles, ready to spread out across the five boroughs and conquer New York with Torah and mitzvos.”

Born in a time of war, the Mitzvah Tank initiative was the Rebbe’s direct response to global unrest—opening a spiritual front alongside the physical one. The message remains as relevant as ever: mitzvos serve as powerful tools to illuminate the world and counter darkness.

As challenges continue in Eretz Yisroel, organizers emphasize that the tanks represent more than outreach—they symbolize a front line of spiritual action.

“The Rebbe taught us that we fight with light,” said Rabbi Moishy Schmukler, Co-Director of the Mitzvah Tank Organization. “Tefillin, matzos, and Shabbos candles are our weapons. And on Yud Alef Nissan, we deploy them on the largest scale.”

The Mitzvah Tank Organization, operating under the auspices of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, is calling on Anash and Shluchim worldwide to take part in this meaningful gift to the Rebbe.

How to Participate:

– Salute the Parade: Community members are encouraged to come out to Kingston Avenue and President Street, or to 770, on Thursday, March 26 (8 Nissan), to greet and encourage the Tankistim as they head out.

– Drive: Yungeleit and bochurim over 21 are invited to sign up to drive and take part in the campaign.

Be part of this special matana to the Rebbe—join the front lines and help bring Moshiach now.