Wounded IDF Heroes and Congressman Brian Mast Honored at Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens honored ten wounded IDF soldiers who are being supported during their recuperation by Belev Echad. Belev Echad (With One Heart) is a NYC-based charity that tends to the needs of the wounded veterans of the IDF. There were in excess of 250 attendees at the Shul to honor the heroes of the IDF. To add to the significance of our program, Congressman Brian Mast joined the Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens event hosting wounded IDF soldiers.
The Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens arranged for the ten soldiers to be treated like royalty as they were treated to a luxury cruise on a ninety foot yacht as well as a tour of a unique and exotic car collection.
Congressman Mast, Florida District 21, a four term Representative, is a staunch supporter of Israel. This past December, he and his entire family traveled to Israel. While in Israel, he met with IDF amputees to encourage them to heal and to rebuild their shattered lives. Congressman Mast spoke beautifully, emphasizing the need for clarity in this battle to differentiate between what is good and what is evil. It was clearly evident that the IDF soldiers were comforted being with our Congressman Brian Mast. They shared salutes and hugs and handshakes, and you knew that as brothers-in-arms, they shared knowledge of what it means to protect their country with their lives. The large crowd showed their appreciation for Congressman Mast with cheers and applause.
Rebbetzin Chana Vigler opened the special event with a film clip captured from the enemy in Lebanon. She explained that the footage screened was taken by Hezbollah terrorists who attempted to portray a successful attack on IDF soldiers in October 2023. Miraculously, not a single one of the soldiers in the video were wounded. On Chabad’s recent solidarity trip to Israel in March 2024, leaders of the Chabad met with these very soldiers and sponsored their equipment upgrades as they prepare to return to battle in Gaza. When asked to what they attribute their survival, the soldiers shrugged and simply said: “the prayers of our fellow Jews.”
With this dramatic introduction, Cantor Label Krinsky and son sang special prayers and melodies for the success and wellbeing of all the soldiers of the IDF. With Rabbi Vigler, providing live simultaneous translation into English, the congregation listened to three of the IDF soldiers tell gut-wrenching stories of combat, wounds and struggles to recover. Attendees listened closely as the soldiers shared life and death details. At the end of each soldier’s presentation, the audience stood and showed their love with loud applause.
Many members shared how wonderful it was, in these very challenging times, to have advocates like Congressman Mast, healers like Belev Echad, and a spiritual home like Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens. It was an “up” moment in times of worry and chaos.
After the soldier’s moving presentations, the lerge crowd stepped into the Shul’s pergola for a delicious barbecue dinner and open bar together with the wounded soldiers, allowing everyone to toast to the success of our nation.
The Belev Echad (With One Heart) charity was founded over a decade ago by Rabbi Uriel and Shvey Vigler, brother of Rabbi Dovid Vigler. Donations can be be made directly to Belev Echad at BelevEchad.nyc/Donate
