After completing each book of the Torah, it is typical to chant, “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek,” which translates to “Let us be strong, let us be strong, and let us strengthen others as well.” Especially during times of conflict, the people of Israel embody this strength – for themselves and their communities.
Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek – through adversity, the people of Israel found unity in their compassion for one another. Instead of helplessness, they chose resilience, and Yad Sarah has been there to support the people of Israel every step of the way.
Directly following the devastating Oct. 7 attack, Yad Sarah, Israel’s leading volunteer-led social service agency, mobilized to support the people of Israel wherever possible. We opened pop-up branches in critical locations, evacuated individuals, and provided essential medical equipment for the injured.
This year, we have continued to extend our support throughout Israel to soldiers and civilians alike.
One instance of resilience is exemplified by Noam Bratt, a 21-year-old newlywed soldier from Talmon, who injured both legs while fighting in Zeitoun, Gaza. In one leg, his nerve was torn, and in the other, a bullet tore his calf. His road to recovery would be a long one.
Noam is a member of Sayeret Nachal, a special forces unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. At the culmination of his unit’s advanced training, it is customary to hike to the summit of Mount Canaan.
Given his injuries, Noam knew it would be an incredibly difficult dream to achieve. But Yad Sarah was available to support him in his resilience and make Noam’s dream a reality. As he waited for surgery on his injured legs, Noam borrowed a wheelchair and a walker from Yad Sarah.
“Every item I needed arrived immediately and the quality of the products was really good,” said Noam.
While using the wheelchair, he completed the customary hike. Noam’s fellow soldiers carried him and his Yad Sarah wheelchair to the summit of Mount Canaan, where he graduated from advanced training and received a special military pin to honor his journey and service to Israel. Once he was able, Noam received crutches from Yad Sarah, aiding him as he learned to walk again.
Another display of resilience amid the war in Israel is the story of musician Mordechay Shenvald. While fighting as a reservist in Gaza, Mordechay was struck by a missile, broke 11 ribs, and suffered from a collapsed lung, broken hip, and injured back – wounds that doctors deemed fatal. As he recovered, Mordechay turned to his passion to lift his spirits – his violin.
Mordechay’s hospital room became his stage. His performances went viral on social media and he was deemed the “Fiddler on the Tank”. Israeli singer Eden Hasson invited Mordechay to join him onstage during his US tour. He then had the opportunity to play for Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his performance in a concert hosted by the Israeli Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem.
Yad Sarah provided Mordechay with medical equipment and emotional support throughout his journey.
“Yad Sarah helped me get back on my feet,” Mordechay reflects. “They were part of my journey back to myself.”
Yad Sarah volunteers are amongst the many who exemplify resilience. Rinat, Yad Sarah’s Northern District manager, travels throughout northern Israel to distribute medical equipment to 29 Yad Sarah branches. It is common for her to make this journey through rocket attacks and air raid sirens.
One day, while traveling to deliver supplies, air raid sirens blared, forcing Rinat to pull off the road and look for cover. While doing so, she noticed an elderly woman, trembling and screaming “Shema Yisrael” out of fear.
Rinat rushed to the elderly woman, knowing this panic all too well. She embraced the woman and calmly suggested, “Let’s breathe together. Let’s recite Psalms of gratitude.” Rinat began to pray, guiding the woman through panicked breathing and helping her regain a sense of calm. Just a few meters away, a missile struck the ground, but both Rinat and the woman were unharmed.
Even in such dangerous circumstances, Rinat embodies Yad Sarah’s mission of providing compassionate care. After ensuring the woman was safe, Rinat continued her journey to deliver critical medical supplies to those in need – all while the sounds of war echoed in the distance.
As the nation recovers from one of the darkest chapters in Jewish history, it is more crucial than ever to be resilient in the face of hardship. Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek. Let us be strong, let us be strong, and let us strengthen others as well.
Yad Sarah is committed to embodying resilience alongside the people of Israel. With the expansion of our operations and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, Yad Sarah rises to the challenge, bringing help and hope to the people of Israel during the most critical moments.