(Courtesy of the Chamal Association) One of the most used words during this challenging time in Israel is “chamal” (חמ״ל in Hebrew), an acronym for cheder milchama (war room), which refers to a command center or situation room where individuals are mobilized for the war effort.
Alongside the military command centers operating around the clock, there has been an incredible proliferation of civilian command centers, both in Israel and abroad. These chamalim have played a critical role in addressing the ever-evolving needs of both soldiers and civilians, and they have been at the forefront of ensuring that every IDF soldier is properly equipped to protect the land of Israel.
Last week, 14 months into the Swords of Iron War, it was reported that the IDF finally acknowledged that it had issued helmets and body armor to its soldiers that might have been unsafe. Let’s take a moment to process this thought: Israel, one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, has been providing its soldiers with inadequate gear, even after over 430 days of ongoing conflict!
This revelation may come as a shock to many readers, but for those of us who have been engaged in supplying the IDF with gear since Oct. 7, it’s not surprising. In fact, the issue of the IDF’s inadequate equipment was reported by the Israeli press as early as May.
The IDF’s initial response? Denial, followed by a controversial announcement that any soldier caught using donated gear would face arrest.
The reality is that our association of chamalim has been aware of the soldiers’ needs from day one. The demand for boots, uniforms, winter gear, tactical equipment and, of course, helmets and ceramic vests, has been ongoing. We have filled these needs as effectively—if not more effectively—than any established organization, and certainly more efficiently than the IDF has.
For over 430 days, our motto has been. “Don’t ask ‘lama,’ ask ‘l’mah, Don’t ask why, ask what can I do?”
Regardless of the reasons behind the IDF’s failure to adequately provide for our chayalim, it is gratifying that they have acknowledged that we—our communities and our volunteers—have saved lives. Our focus remains on helping however we can, and we encourage you to do the same. Join us in supporting those who are protecting our homeland and ensuring that every chayal has the equipment he needs to ensure his safety and ability to carry out the mission.
The Chamal Association is a coalition of organizations, including the Israel Chesed Center, BC Lev Echad, Boots for Israel, Lev LaChayal, Unit 11741 and Israel Magen Fund, all of whom have been at the forefront of engaging local communities to assist in the war effort. Since October 2023, these groups have collected and distributed millions of dollars in gear, equipment and other essential supplies to soldiers, security teams and civilians in Israel.
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation toward critical equipment, visit linktr.ee/israelnow.
