Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

In the wake of recent events in Israel, the Jewish community and others in South Florida have joined forces to support the soldiers and individuals thousands of miles away.

Meir Shemtov, a member of Chabad of Southwest Broward, has been one of the main organizers collecting supplies for his shul.

He finds soldiers — typically Israeli American reservists — before they go to Israel and lists things they need. He then turns to the other shul members and asks for donations.

He helps fill up duffel bags of protein bars, flashlights, gauze pads and other supplies. Many of these things are not in stock in Israel.

“The soldiers tell me firsthand that it’s just morally supportive,” he said. “Knowing that the entire community here is behind them. It’s a serious send-off to go to the airport with that kind of support behind you.”

The community has come together in many ways to support their families and loved ones in Israel. Jews across Broward and Miami-Dade counties are participating in fundraisers and different relief efforts.

“I have friends whose kids are making cookies and bracelets and selling them with lemonade,” said Shemtov. “And every single dollar goes to the soldiers (in Israel.)”

Illyce Binder, a Miami resident, is the founder and president of Kiddoodles Inc., an online boutique that caters to tweens and women. One of her suppliers offered Israel-themed bracelets for her to sell, with the proceeds going to Israel. She quickly accepted the offer.

“Coming together in times of need and despair is comforting,” Binder said. “This Israeli bracelet fundraiser gave me and my customers the opportunity to feel involved instead of helpless.”

Overall, the bracelet fundraiser, among retailers in the United States, sold 4,400 bracelets and raised over $65,000 for Israel in just over 24 hours, Binder said.

“It is essential for support to reach Israel, to let them know they are all a part of one community and have so many people behind them,” Shemtov said.

He said no matter how far Jews are from Israel, they have felt the effects of the war firsthand.

“The effects of this war have taken a large toll on me, my family, my friends and my community,” Binder said. “We watch and listen to families in anguish and hear about their loved ones who were murdered or taken hostage. As hard as it is to watch, we must witness this savagery.”

There has been a decrease in internal conflicts in Israel. Shemtov said politics are usually divisive, but since the recent attacks, people have come together for a common purpose.

“We have realized that we are one nation,” said Shemtov. “Nobody cares what you’re labeled anymore. It doesn’t matter. Jews are united right now. I’ve never seen this before.”