(Courtesy of Nevut) In February of last year, the Israel Chesed Center held the inaugural “Shabbat B’yachad Nenatzeach”/Israel Unity Shabbat, an extraordinary event uniting Jewish communities across the 5 Towns, Long Beach, West Hempstead, and Oceanside. Over 40 shuls and yeshivot participated, with 25 chayalim joining these communities for a Shabbat filled with achdut and chizuk. It was a powerful display of solidarity with the soldiers who serve Israel and a meaningful experience that left an indelible mark on all who attended.
While the hope was that the war would be a distant memory by now, the reality is that many soldiers who have returned home are still struggling with the aftermath of their service. The need for support has never been greater, particularly for chayalim bodedim (lone soldiers), those who serve in the IDF without immediate family in Israel. As these soldiers return to their homes in the U.S. and other countries, they face unique challenges, including coping with the mental and emotional toll of their service.
According to the IDF, over 30% of chayalim experience PTSD after their service, with many suffering from severe forms of it. While chayalim in Israel have access to resources to help them navigate these challenges, lone soldiers returning to the U.S. often find themselves without appropriate support systems, even if they are surrounded by their families and communities.
Nevut, an organization dedicated to supporting these lone soldiers who have returned to the U.S., plays a crucial role in providing the assistance they need. As the only organization focused on supporting lone soldiers in the U.S., Nevut works tirelessly to ensure that these soldiers feel less isolated and more supported as they reintegrate into civilian life.
In the spirit of the halachot of tzedakah, which emphasize that aniyei ircha kodmim (the poor of your city have precedence), Nevut believes in chayalei ircha kodmim, that our local soldiers should also be prioritized. This year’s Unity Shabbat will be dedicated to honoring Nevut and its mission. The event will offer an opportunity for both the lone soldiers and Jewish communities to exchange chizuk and support, creating a meaningful and mutual bond.
Beginning on Purim and continuing through the weekend of March 14-16, Nevut plans to come together for this year’s Unity Shabbat and to continue to stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel, supporting those who have risked everything to protect the Jewish homeland. This event will be a powerful reminder of the Jewish community’s shared responsibility to care for those who have served, ensuring that the soldiers who have given so much do not face the challenges of post-service life alone.
For more information about this and other ICC events, or to volunteer at the Chesed Center, contact [email protected] or visit them at 1315 Peninsula Blvd., Hewlett, New York.
