As IDF soldier's prepare to enter Gaza, Chabad representatives give them an inspiring sendoff with gifts of food, extra clothing, and specially printed prayer books designed to fit in their uniform pockets.

Chabad Gives IDF Soldiers An Inspired Sendoff

As IDF soldier’s prepare to enter Gaza, Chabad representatives give them an inspiring sendoff with gifts of food, extra clothing, and specially printed prayer books designed to fit in their uniform pockets.

Menachem Ofen extolls their heroic determination to defend the people of Israel. “The soldiers recognize that they are going to face off with a lethal enemy,” says Menachem, “and are grateful for every measure of support, and the opportunity to fortify themselves spiritually, wrapping tefillin and saying the Shema.”

More pictures at Lubavitch.com

8 Comments

  • A big mistake

    Chabad is making a big mistake by becoming so prominent in the conflict. They are a religious organization and should stick to their original goals of reaching out to Jews worldwide.

    Yes, they did became involuntarily involved in India however now by broadcasting their support for the army they are unnecessarily putting themselves, their families and guests in harms way.

    I hope they know what they are doing.

  • Rym

    the Rebbe explains that in time of war we should support the Israeli army at all times and give them support by putting tefillin with them the Rebbe talks about it 1967

  • To Rym

    There is a big difference between “quietly” supporting

    and taking pictures that proclaim Chabad support and are shown in countries all over the world for the extreme fanatics to dwell on and come to realize that most Chabad’s are easy targets.

    Behind the scenes support is just as effective.

  • out of towner

    to a big mistake –

    “I am a Jew and I am Proud, and I will shout it out loud!”
    what about you? Had you been around during WWII you would have walked in to the gas chambers. I might have died, also but it would have been kicking and screaming and proud of who I am and the religion of my father, grandfather, and those before me. I would not have hid – I would have fought!

  • to out of towner

    The CIA the FBI and many other intelligence agencies around the world “quietly and secretively” support and help numerous government operations.

    They are effective without drawing attention.

    Broadcasting Chabad assistance to the army “just for the publicity” is absurd and dangerous.

  • tzfat the summer program tsrie hashluch

    we went to army bases with menachem he helped us out over there. keep up the great work menachem

  • A Little Bewilderd

    You are entitled to your opinion, but keep in mind this isn’t about publicity, we get enough of that with the telethon. This is about ahavas yisroel.There are soldiers out there fighting for Eretz Yisorel while their more religious brothers are sitting in Yeshiva. While both aspects are necessary, these soldiers need to SEE that we support them and thank them for giving their lives for something they may not even personally believe in. I don’t think there is one person in any of those pictures who traveled to the front lines of war for any reason other than that. I’m sorry you feel it’s a mistake.
    The CIA and FBI may have “quiet” units, but when it comes down to it, there is always a showdown.

  • anonymous

    why not think positivly- what about thanks to all of those shluchim who are giving emotional support to all the soldiers…i dont see any other orginaztions doing that… with out this who will give them hope?