Ultra-Orthodox IDF soldiers welcome new Torah scrolls, renovated synagogue
(February 21, 2021 / JNS) A ceremony last week celebrated two organizations that work on behalf of Israeli soldiers—Netzach Yehuda Association and Yahad: United for Israel’s Soldier in partnership with LIBI that renovated a synagogue and donated deluxe furnishings for members of the haredi Tomer unit of the Givati Brigade.
Two new Torah scrolls, written especially for its soldiers, were also installed in the synagogue on Givati’s army base at Har Keren in the Negev Desert.
The Tomer unit was established in 2014. Soldiers receive the necessary provisions that allow them to serve in the Israel Defense Forces while maintaining a Torah-observant lifestyle.
Those participating in the Feb. 17 opening ceremony included IDF Chief Rabbi Brig. Gen. Eyal Karim; Givati Brigade commander Lt. Col. Ivri Elbaz; rabbi of the Southern Command, Lt. Col. Rabbi David Haimov; Netzach Yehuda Association (Nahal Haredi) CEO Yossi Levy; Javier Rosenfeld, field director for Yahad: United for Israel’s Soldiers; and Rabbi Tzvi Klebanow, president of Netzach Yehuda Association. They were joined by representatives of the Haredi military administration, as well as officers and soldiers
Chief Rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces Brig. Gen. Eyal Karim walks one of two new Torah scrolls for use by the Tomer division of the Givati Brigade into the renovated synagogue of a training base in the Negev Desert, Feb. 17, 2021. Credit: IDF.
Karim congratulated participants, donors and Netzach Yehuda rabbis, and delivered an address in honor of the synagogue and new Torah-scroll dedications.
“This event connected exactly with the week’s Torah portion, Parshat Terumah, which states, ‘And they shall make me a sanctuary, and I will dwell in them,’ ” said Netzach Yehuda president Rabbi Tzvi Klebanow. “We must remember that in parallel with difficult training exercises, we must pray to G-d that he gives us the determination to be messengers on behalf of the people of Israel.”
He continued, noting that “Tomer unit soldiers are an example of a quality, professional company—one that preserves the values they bring from home. You are an example of how an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle can be combined with the mission to protect our people.”
This incredible initiative is just one of many undertaken by Yahad and the American Friends of Libi organization.
Other vital programs include providing housing for IDF soldiers on leave as well as sponsoring both educational and cultural events.
If you’d like to help LIBI in their efforts to boost morale in the IDF, you can do so by making a donation of any size to LIBI today.
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