Dear Friends & Family,

In honor of my Bar Mitzvah and in memory of my Babushka Jhanna, I am raising money to support the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces through the organization “Standing Together.” This primarily volunteer-run organization shows appreciation for the soldiers and works to boost their morale at bases and posts all over Israel providing pizza, hot or cold drinks, donuts on Chanuka, or sweatshirts, as a few examples.

Back in September, Ari Fuld HY”D who was the assistant director of Standing Together, tragically fell victim to a terrorist attack while at a grocery store.  Ari was a very popular advocate for Israel, devoting his life to the Jewish People and the Jewish Homeland. 

Standing Together is now running a campaign to buy a truck in Ari’s memory.  Currently, the organization uses a small trailer that attaches to an SUV to do their work, but it is extremely limited.  The truck, on the other hand, will have a specially built cabin to house pizza ovens, coffee and drink machines, phone chargers and a whole host of other amenities for the soldiers wherever they are stationed. The cost of the truck and the special needs / maintenance is about $300K - $350K of which over $100K has already been raised. This kind of truck can allow the organization to do more than ever to support our soldiers.

During my recent family trip to Israel, I was deeply moved by the amazing stories involving our courageous and selfless soldiers.  Visiting the Israel National Cemetery at Mount Herzl and touring Ammunition Hill made lasting impressions on me.  At the Western Wall, I was fortunate to meet soldiers.  It was inspirational to meet young men and women who make the commitment to bravely defend Israel. 

It would be very meaningful for me if a donation was made to Standing Together (501c3).  I would sincerely appreciate any donation amount, since even the smallest amount is a mitzvah.  Jewish tradition teaches when a mitzvah is done in memory of a loved one, their soul is elevated in the Heavens.  Israel and its defenders were always very special and important to Babushka.  After my visit, I now also share this feeling. 

Thank you so much,

Joshua (and Family)