All of Israel is on the frontlines - opinion

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Author: ZALMAN DUCHMAN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Recently, a mother from Brooklyn whose family had spent years saving around $50,000 for a home improvement chose to forgo the renovation and instead sent the money to help feed hungry people in Israel. There are hundreds of similar stories of people from around the world, each of whom with their own lives and concerns are going above and beyond to help their brothers and sisters in Israel

However, despite all this, there is still a level of uncertainty surrounding how people can help, as well as a certain feeling of helplessness for those who don't live in Israel. I've heard so often that people feel as if living in the Diaspora means they're on the sidelines, while those on the frontlines in Israel are bearing the true cost and responsibility of this prolonged war. Others aren't sure if their donation is really going to make a difference. To everyone who harbors a doubt or feels insecure about their ability to help, I share with them a message. For Am Yisrael, the frontlines are everywhere.

All support given to Israel, regardless of where it's given, is going to the frontlines. All Israelis are one or two degrees separated from an active duty soldier or a victim of October 7. When a school in New York recently partnered with a school in Dimona and Netivot to supply backpacks and pair their students for Zoom calls with the Israeli students, they were helping the frontlines. Each of those students have parents, brothers, or sisters in the military, and helping them impacts the well-being of the soldiers defending our country.

Another important thing to consider is that when it comes to aid, the thought often counts just as much as the deed. Each dollar we send has an impact, not only financially, but also emotionally.

A parallel in our own religion is that when we send food to a shiva – a house of mourning – it is to show our support and care for the person in mourning, not necessarily because the mourner doesn't have food to eat (although that is also the case far too often.) We send food because in doing so, the mourner feels our love, care, and support. Similarly, when Jews in Israel see that their family from around the world is sending donations, food, and coming to visit them, it means so much more than the material value of the help.

Donating "big ticket" items like medical equipment, a BBQ for the soldiers in Gaza, or military gear are clear-cut ways to help the frontlines. However, you don't need to make a large or flashy donation to have an...