What it is about
For nearly six decades, the Carlebach family, through their organization “Hachnasat Orchim,” has provided food and drink to tens of thousands of visitors to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. The day after Simchat Torah on October 7, the Carlebach brothers, Eliezer and Yossi, answered a different call to action, mobilizing to deliver food and entertainment to IDF soldiers in the north and south of Israel.
Why it matters
The extraordinary efforts by the Carlebach family played a crucial role in boosting the morale and sustaining the strength of Israeli soldiers amid challenging warfare. Their voluntary service transcended basic sustenance; it embodied the unity and support of the Israeli people towards their defenders, echoing the collective resilience and spirit of the nation.
Details
Initial Response
Prompted by soldiers asking for water near Ein Zeitim, the Carlebach brothers quickly provided not just water but also food. By the next day, they had rapidly scaled their operations, enlisting up to 400 volunteers, operating food trucks, grills, and serving stations, along with a band for entertainment.
Scale of Effort
Since the start of the war, the Carlebachs have distributed approximately half a million hamburger meals and over a million drinks, an undertaking estimated to cost around 15 million shekels. Their mission was to unify and support the soldiers, encouraging them even during somber days of heavy casualties.
Community Spirit
“We saw this as an opportunity to bring people together and sanctify God’s name,” Eliezer expressed, noting that soldiers eagerly awaited their visits for morale boosts. Their visits lifted spirits, especially when grim news heightened the need for emotional support.
Witnessing Unity
The Carlebachs recalled poignant moments of unity among Israelis, both religious and secular, arguing against divisive rhetoric. “Everyone is doing what they can to help and participate,” Eliezer added.
A Tradition of Care
Following in the footsteps of their father, Rabbi Meir Carlebach, the family upholds a tradition of hospitality in Meron, providing hot meals and drinks to pilgrims. Extending this care to battlefronts symbolizes more than nourishment; it represents a national embrace for the soldiers’ dedication.
Beyond Basic Feeding
Eliezer emphasized that the IDF can feed its soldiers, but the Carlebach’s voluntary mission aimed at delivering a sense of community and home-like comfort amidst conflict. By bringing the kitchen to bases and frontline gathering points, they provided an enhanced experience that connected soldiers with the wider Israeli society.
In Conclusion
The Carlebach family’s responsiveness underscores the Israeli spirit of mutual support and resilience in times of war, proving that acts of kindness and solidarity remain powerful forces in sustaining a nation’s strength and unity.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.