Posted on 10/14/23
Jerusalem, Israel – Oct. 13, 2023 - My name is Shnayer Lewis. Many of you are aware that I've been commuting between Baltimore and Jerusalem for nearly 40 years. I had the distinct experience of being in Jerusalem for the chagim and, like many others, was alarmed by the sirens on Shabbos morning that marked the onset of the Simchat Torah War.
Jewish communities worldwide responded swiftly, ensuring our warriors received immediate aid. However, this support was often without coordination or a systematic approach.
This conflict is unparalleled in our history, resembling the shock of events like 9/11. The Arab forces had spent a year in preparation, eagerly anticipating our troops. They've boasted about their capabilities, having countermeasures for every strategy we might employ. The urban warfare environment can neutralize our advantages. For instance, a Kornet Bazooka fired from around a building corner can obliterate a tank. We must equip our soldiers to face these terrifying scenarios, ensuring their safety and readiness.
Given the swift mobilization, we weren't entirely prepared for the 350,000 soldiers now stationed around Gaza. While global Jewish communities have been sending aid, there's a lack of organization.
The primary needs of our soldiers can be categorized as follows:
A. Food Supplies: Aid is pouring in from across Israel. Hospital kitchens are operating around the clock, with non-kosher hospitals in Tel Aviv being kashered. Thousands of sandwiches are being distributed. Many soldiers, having rushed south on Shabbat, are reliant on these provisions.
B. Tactical Defense Equipment: This includes state-of-the-art bulletproof vests, ceramic plates, helmets, military-grade walkie-talkies, knee pads, gun scopes, tactical glasses, phone chargers, power banks, and headlamp flashlights. The unexpected scale of this assault has resulted in a weapons deficit, but shipments from around the world are bridging this gap. We've already received 100,000 vests in Israeli customs, with more on the way.
C. Essential Supplies: As highlighted in our video, these include duct tape (for machine gun cushioning), power cords, medic kits, blister packs, tourniquets, dehydration kits, electrolytes, pens, multi-purpose knives, and protein bars. These are vital; a soldier could be incapacitated due to blisters alone. Our focus is on these overlooked items.
In Carmei Gat, an Anglo community 19 miles from Gaza, we have volunteers procuring these essential supplies. We've already spent over $25,000 and need further funds to ensure our troops are well-equipped.
Today, from Carmei Gat, we're dispatching:
All funds directly support our soldiers, with our community covering administrative costs. We're located outside Gaza's security area, with permission to meet battalion commanders at the 8-mile barricade to deliver supplies.
Please support our cause by donating to Cause Match, a 501 C3 organization. Our mission is primarily to assist lone soldiers. You can contribute through our dedicated page: Cause Match - Friends of Carmei Gat.
The major offensive is imminent. We're ready to procure supplies from every pharmacy up to Bet Shemesh and beyond, but we need your help.
Contact Shnayer Lewis: Email: shnayerlewis@gmail.com WhatsApp: +972 55 973 0828 Skype: 443-345-4947 Israel Phone: 011 972 55 973 0828.