In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Chabad of Binghamton is coordinating “Operation One People; One Body,” a two-day solidarity trip to Israel comprised of current and past Binghamton University students, alumni and parents.
The group will leave for Israel on Oct. 24 and return on Oct. 26.
“The sheer magnitude of the death, torture and kidnapping of Jews is agonizing,” says Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Levi Slonim, director of Development at the Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton, N.Y., and the organizer of the trip. He was referring to the 1,400-plus people killed, more than 4,000 wounded and the 200 or so civilians taken captive in the Gaza Strip.
“When your sibling is in trouble, you drop everything and you show up,” he said. “This trip is about standing firm with our brothers and sisters in Israel, and extending support on multiple levels.”
Members of the group were chosen by raffle and represent the extended Chabad of Binghamton community. The trip will include a visit to wounded soldiers and civilians in the hospital; shiva visits with families (some of the deceased have only now been identified and buried); and visits with soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces to bring them much-needed supplies and support, including spiritual.
During past conflicts in the Land of Israel when things seemed bleak, and during times of danger for the Jewish people, the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson—made practical suggestions of mitzvahs to elicit G‑d’s protection, including putting on tefillin, hanging mezuzahs and having a letter written in a Torah scroll, among other mitzvahs.
“The ability for each of us to add light, support and positivity has not been—and will never be—taken away from us,” adds Slonim. “Just as the hate and destruction were so immense, the magnitude of the response to do positive deeds must be equally massive.”
To support the efforts of this trip, visit: www.JewishBU.com/Solidarity.
