Continuing a long-standing tradition, Chabad 77 France conducted its 21st solidarity mission to strengthen the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. Led by the shluchim Rabbi Yossi and Tzalcha Amar, this annual journey – now running for more than two decades – gives practical expression to the Rebbe’s sacred directives: to stand at the side of Israel’s soldiers and fortify their spirit, both materially and spiritually.

The mission opened with a deeply moving visit to wounded soldiers from the Swords of Iron war who are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The shluchim and members of the delegation spoke with the soldiers, encouraged them with words of faith and trust in G-d, and emphasized that the entire Jewish people stand behind them with gratitude for their self-sacrifice in protecting the Holy Land.

A particularly powerful moment took place during a meeting with the devoted soldier shliach Rabbi Liraz Zaira – may the Almighty grant him a complete and speedy recovery very soon. Rather than receiving encouragement, he himself farbrenged with the delegation – uplifting everyone with faith and strength, demonstrating how positive thinking can elevate a person above even the greatest challenges.

From there, the delegation traveled to the Nachal Oz base, together with a close friend of Chabad 77 and year-round activist of IDF soldiers, Rabbi Eliyahu Gutman, director of the “Ezer LaChayal” organization, and Reb Pini Deitsch. A grand barbecue was held, attended by over 400 soldiers, accompanied by spirited singing and dancing – an outpouring of joy infused with emunah and the power of a mitzvah.

At the heart of the event, 18 pairs of tefillin were distributed. Several soldiers merited, for the first time in their lives, to receive their own personal pair – an emotional moment that echoed the Rebbe’s special concern that every Jew, and especially IDF soldiers, should have their own tefillin and connect to the light of Torah and mitzvos. Base commanders expressed heartfelt appreciation to Chabad 77 France, saying: “Since October 7, we haven’t seen an event here with so much warmth, love, and faith.”

In his address, Rabbi Yossi Amar spoke about the Rebbe’s fatherly relationship with IDF soldiers – his constant care to provide tefillin, send Torah scrolls to bases, and strengthen morale at every opportunity, viewing them as shluchei mitzvah who safeguard the Jewish people. His words deeply moved those present and gave the gathering a profound Chassidic meaning.

Joining the mission were friends of Chabad 77 France from both France and Israel, as well as the brigade rabbi, Rabbi Muli Boimel, along with the battalion and company commanders, the shliach to Western Ukraine, Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, who came to express unity with Israel’s soldiers. The program concluded with joyful dancing in a powerful display of heartfelt achdus – and one message rang clear from everyone there: the Jewish people are united with their soldiers; the Rebbe’s shluchim stand by their side everywhere – and “Am Yisrael Chai” is a living reality.

To take part in this important mitzvah and become partners in supporting and continuing this activity, you may donate here: https://don-chabad77.org/israel/ Thank You.