On the morning of October 7th, Gadi Lieberman’s life was forever changed. Like everyone else in Israel, preparing for a war was the last thing on his mind. That day was supposed to start a joyful family vacation, sand skiing in southern Israel with his beloved wife Liron, and their two young children. But as Gadi was outside their Ramat Gan home preparing their car, the air raid sirens began blaring nonstop. These were no ordinary alarms – they were incoming rockets coming from Gaza, rockets being fired in the thousands. And Gadi immediately understood the gravity of the situation.
As a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, Gadi knew he had to report for duty. Without a moment of hesitation, Gadi said goodbye to his family and rushed to his army base near the Gaza border, ready to defend his country from the looming threat. For three long and grueling weeks, Gadi and his fellow soldiers tirelessly searched for terrorists and weapons caches in the Gaza Strip. It was incredibly dangerous work, confronting the pure evil and deep-seated hatred of Hamas, but Gadi was proud to stand on the front lines protecting Israel and the entire world from their reign of terror.
Tragedy struck on December 2nd when the building Gadi was in was hit by an RPG. Though severely injured by shrapnel, Gadi managed to alert his friend in the next room before losing consciousness. He was airlifted to Sheba Hospital where skilled doctors worked tirelessly to save his life. But Gadi’s injuries were extensive – his dominant right hand was riddled with shrapnel, requiring multiple complicated surgeries, a bullet fragment was lodged precariously in his jaw, and he suffered permanent hearing loss in his left ear from the blast. Gadi ended up spending months in the hospital and still requires ongoing treatment 3-4 times per week. The road to recovery is long and arduous.
The cost of Gadi’s brave service has been immense, not only physically and emotionally, but also financially. His injuries prevent him from being able to return to his previous job with a delivery company. Gadi risked everything, including his own life, to protect Israel and her people, but now he is unable to provide for his wife and children who depend on him. Sadly, Gadi is not alone in this heart-wrenching struggle. Countless other injured IDF soldiers find themselves in similar dire situations, having selflessly served their country only to be left with debilitating wounds and financial hardship.
These extraordinary heroes need our help now more than ever. The Talmud sagely teaches us that we are all responsible for one another. Now is the time for us to come together as a community, as a compassionate people, to support Gadi and the many other brave soldiers who have sacrificed so much for us all. As it is written in Proverbs 3:27-28, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Even a small donation, a few dollars, can make a substantial difference in easing the heavy burdens these soldiers and their families face every single day. Your caring gift, whether $18 or $180 or $1800, can help nourish their children, obtain vital medical care and rehabilitation, and let these heroes know that their service and sacrifice is seen and tremendously appreciated by us all. Near and far. You have the power right now to provide real, tangible assistance to those who gave everything for us in our time of need.
Gadi Lieberman and all of Israel’s injured soldiers have given so very much to keep the land of Israel and her people safe. In the face of unconscionable evil, they protected us all fearlessly and without question. Now, it is our sacred duty and privilege to protect them and their families in return. There is no time to waste – these soldiers need us today. Your gift will show them that “All Israel is responsible for one another,” that we stand together as one people, and that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please, give whatever you can, as much as you can, to make a real difference in the lives of those who have already made such an indelible difference for Israel and the Jewish people. Ken yehi ratzon, may this be God’s will.
