Boots for Israel, 57,000 pairs in, is continuing its mission to provide footwear to Israeli soldiers who need new boots.
Yakir Wachstock, co-founder of Boots for Israel, spoke at Cong. Bnai Yeshurun (CBY) at seuda shlishit last Shabbat, July 13. Wachstock told the story of how he, just a “regular guy” with no experience in fundraising or public speaking, started an organization that has made a profound impact thousands of miles away by providing boots for countless soldiers in Israel’s current war.
He inspired attendees by ingraining in them the message that anyone, no matter what he or she has done in the past, can take part in something that changes the world.
Bnai Yeshurun has joined over 100 synagogues, schools and other locations in hosting Wachstock, who has already traveled to around 25 communities across the U.S., Canada and Israel speaking about the important work Boots for Israel is doing. Just last Shabbat, he spoke at a Bergenfield backyard minyan, Ahavat Shalom, the TABC 8:40 minyan and Arzei Darom, in addition to CBY. The organization also holds boot-packing events associated with smachot or other groups, where volunteers help pack boots in duffel bags that will be shipped to Israel.
Wachstock told incredible stories filled with hashgacha pratit and inspiration, including the origins of the project, when Maj. Daniel Jacobs of the IDF called a bewildered Wachstock out of the blue in the middle of the night on Oct. 11, hearing that Wachstock had experience in Amazon retail, to request boots for an upcoming mission.
Boots for Israel has since blossomed into a full-blown volunteer organization under the auspices of the Young Israel of Holliswood in Queens, already having donated thousands of boots and now with an over 400-member WhatsApp group and a professional website. As Wachstock explained, this work is vital because the boots soldiers are getting from the IDF are falling apart. Some soldiers have to wear these boots for extended periods of time without removing them, even sleeping in the boots.
When troops are trekking across the terrain of Gaza with the same boots day in and day out, they need to be high quality, and that’s what Boots for Israel provides. As the group’s website states, “The bottom line is we are providing boots to the soldiers because they need them. We don’t want our soldiers to have to concern themselves with something as basic as boots.They should have high-quality, waterproof, comfortable boots. Period.” Boots for Israel works with EL AL and flies boots over to soldiers for a reduced fee for the donation bags.
Wachstock’s lesson to all in attendance was clear: Anyone can be the person to make great change for Am Yisrael. His essential question was, “What is your Maj. Daniel Jacobs moment? That is to say, what is your opportunity to help out? What are you skilled at that could help you provide something needed? What personal event can you take as a charge to act?”
Wachstock enjoyed engaging with the Teaneck-Bergenfield community and hopes to return to Bergen County soon.
To host Wachstock at a synagogue, school or other venue, or to organize a boot-packing event, email [email protected]. Check out thechesedfund.com/bootsontheground/bootsforisrael to donate to the cause and watch their captivating promotional video. Also see bootsforisrael.com to learn more.
Daniel Brauner is a summer intern at The Jewish Link. He is an incoming student at Yeshiva University and lives in Teaneck. Contact him at [email protected].
