Executive Director

I never would have thought that less than two months after volunteering for the IDF this past summer I would be signing up to go back. But that’s what I did on October 7. Why? The atrocities of the massacre were so horrific, so barbaric, and so numerous, that I knew the response would be severe and volunteers would be needed. I was placed on a waitlist because the situation was too chaotic, there was not enough space and beds for the 360,000 reservists who were called up, and there were many other civilian volunteers who signed up as well. I recently got the green light and I leave today. This will be my fourth time as a civilian volunteer for the IDF, and I kind of know what to expect. What I don’t know is where they will be sending me, and I don’t know what my role will be, but I will gladly go wherever they send me, and I will happily do whatever they ask of me. Going there to help, helps me feel less helpless. But this isn’t about how it makes me feel. It’s about how it makes them feel. Our support, our love, and our mere presence is an immeasurable boost for the morale of the soldiers. It proves to them that they are not alone, that we stand with them, that we stand with Israel. And I know from past experience how much we are appreciated. I anticipate receiving/giving a lot of hugs. This is why I am going. Please continue to pray for Israel, for the hostages, and for good to triumph over evil. 

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, and I look forward to seeing you in shul in a couple of weeks. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can always reach out to me at rons@tbsonline.org or (856) 751-6663 x218 (after I get back).

B’Shalom,

Ron Safier
Executive Director