You can write letters to IDF soldiers

There are countless efforts taking place around the world to support Israel and the IDF. I’ve personally been having a difficult time during this situation and feeling rather helpless. With many thanks to Gilor Meshulam, our incoming Israeli shaliach (emissary) my feelings have altered, and I now know my support and actions can make a difference.

Gilor started an initiative while in the shlichim training course. He rallied the shlichim and others who were interested to send packages to soldiers. While doing so, he thought members of the Alliance might also be interested in writing letters. The plan was to email letters to Gilor, and he would deliver them to the soldiers. Since Gilor was called to serve in active duty with his unit, I’m now coordinating this effort with another shaliach. Gilor has recently been released of duty in order to prepare for his arrival in Rhode Island at the end of August.

The first batch of more than 80 letters and pictures has been mailed. If you’d like to take part in writing a letter to a soldier, email it to me at EChassen@JewishAllianceRI.org. If you’d like to send a handwritten letter, I’ll be collecting and sending another batch. Please leave them at the front desk of the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. These letters can be of any length, size, color and can even include a photo of you.

As Gilor said, “For a soldier, getting a letter of support from Jewish people (and not necessarily Israeli) is a very strong and strengthening experience – knowing he has another home front away from Israel.”

ELANAH CHASSEN is education and planning associate at the Jewish Alliance.