In a touching scene in Tel Aviv, Shliach Mendy Goodman joined lone protestor Nir Kafatori in support of raising awareness for the hostages, and gained a ‘tefillin lay’ in the merit of their speedy return.
By Anash.org reporter
Nir Kafatori, a lone demonstrator who sits daily blindfolded at the B’nei Ephraim junction in Tel Aviv resembling a hostage, as part of a silent protest. Today, a bearded man in the form of local Shliach Rabbi Mendy Godman was seen sitting beside him in quiet solidarity. What no one passing by knew, was this was part of a deal the two had made.
Rabbi Goodman noticed Kafatori’s protest and approached him with the offer to do a mitzvah in the zchus of the hostages return and put on tefillin together. Kafatori agreed do don tefillin and in turn, requested that Goodman show solidarity with his pain and sit beside him.
Rabbi Goodman agreed, and a deal was made. Rabbi Goodman blindfolded himself and sat in the B’nei Ephraim junction with Nir. Afterward, an emotional Kafatori put on tefillin, joining the spiritual effort with deep emotion. The moment was captured by photographer Niv Ben-Shitrit.
Not exactly the same, but see here for a couple similar stories:
https://anash.org/why-this-shliach-was-holding-an-israeli-flag-at-a-parade/
https://anash.org/why-a-lubavitcher-rosh-yeshiva-was-holding-a-dog/