In light of the terrible atrocities perpetrated against our brothers and sisters in Israel, with G-d’s help, I plan to go to Israel this coming Motzei Shabbat (Saturday Night).
It was not an easy decision for Sara and I to make and we weighed this heavily for a few days before deciding. Together, with a small group of rabbis, we will visit soldiers, those who have been wounded and are recovering in hospitals, broken families who have lost their homes, families in mourning or awaiting the fate of their loved ones in captivity, and government officials.
Our goal is to inspire, uplift, and send a message of hope that we in the Diaspora stand with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land!
Some specific places I will visit include the Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, the largest hospital in Southern Israel, where many of the wounded are currently residing. I will also be visiting wounded soldiers and other victims from the terror attack at the El Shomer Hospital, homes of people sitting shiva, as well as army bases to provide support to our soldiers.
I hope to bring even a small measure of comfort and Chizuk (encouragement) by showing them that our community stands with them and cares tremendously about them!
We need to unite! We have all been praying to G-d, doing more Mitzvot and whatever else we can to help Israel. Everyone has their role to fill in providing help and support. Let us do what we can -- even in some small measure -- to alleviate some of the suffering. Let us show our solidarity with the people of Israel by taking on an extra Mitzvah at https://onemitzvah.org/israel/rabbi-bernaths-team and by donating to help the wounded and the families who have lost loved ones. Donate in Canadian dollars here https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=36 and in US dollars https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=15 (both links are tax-deductible)
While in Israel, I will personally distribute these funds to families in need. We want to distribute as much funding as possible to help those in need in this desperate time. Please participate in this Mitzvah. How beautiful will it be to be able to show up to comfort the mourners, not only with a show of emotional support, but an envelope for them as well.
You are also welcome to take part in this mission by preparing uplifting cards, letters, and artwork that I will distribute during my visit.
Anyone who takes part in any way in my trip will get a link to join a special WhatsApp group where I will update you in realtime.
May we very soon see the fulfillment of the prophecy that a time will come when "One nation will not lift a sword against another nation, and they will beat their swords into plowshares" -- with the speedy arrival of Moshiach, A
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