Dear Friends,
In the wake of the horrific atrocities committed against our dear brothers and sisters in Israel, and in recognition of the enormous challenges they are now facing in a war of unknown proportions, I will be joining a small delegation of Chabad rabbis from across the United States on a mission of support and solidarity to the Holy Land, departing this Sunday.
During this visit, we will be visiting with the brave soldiers of the IDF now stationed on front lines in the north and south and provide them with critical military gear to help keep them safe.. We will also visit hospitals with those who were wounded in the brutal attacks as well as families mourning for loved ones who were savagely murdered, hy”d.
Our mission, while brief, will be impactful, as we seek to provide both physical and emotional support to those affected by this crisis.
Beyond an opportunity to give practical expression to the feelings and passions that have been bubbling up inside me ever since I learned of the devastating attack, I see this as an opportunity to share the huge outpourings of love and support that have been forthcoming on Israel’s behalf from throughout our Collier County Community.
I will utilize the opportunity to distribute additional donations being made now to Israel Emergency Fund via our website to those who can benefit most from those funds.
I will convey the demonstrations of Jewish pride, strength, and resolve our community has been displaying in solidarity with our brethren during this time of peril and crisis.
I will let them know that they are absolutely not alone; that we in the diaspora stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in declaring “Am Yisrael Chai” – now and forever!
If you would like to have me deliver a personal card or letter from you and/or your family members to any or all of the aforementioned groups, please place your message(s) in an unsealed envelope(s), indicating on the outside for which group it is intended (ex. “soldiers”, “wounded”, or “families in mourning”) and drop it/them off at the Chabad Naples no later than 3:00 pm this Friday, October 20.
I will be happy to hand-deliver your uplifting and heartfelt message of “chizuk” (strength and reinforcement) to their intended recipients at this most critical time.
We know that our Naples community is filled with compassionate hearts and boundless love for our brothers and sisters in the holy land.
As we embark on this mission, I ask for your continued prayers and support. Our unity is a source of strength, and with blessings from Hashem, we pray for the complete recovery of the survivors, the immediate return of the hostages, and a swift end to the current crisis.
To contribute to this vital mission, please donate at www.chabadnaples.com/israel. 100% of every donation designated for Israel will go directly to emergency relief.
May Hashem watch over our brothers and sisters in Israel, and may He grant them the strength to endure these challenging times. Together, let us stand united in faith, love, and support.
May He who makes peace on High make peace for us and for all Israel".
I look forward to sending your regards to our brothers and sisters in Israel…
With deep gratitude and warmest blessings,
Rabbi Fishel Zaklos
PS - I plan to send periodic updates while in Israel via my personal Facebook page as well as report to you upon my return.