Rabbi Yisrael Gettinger

Following the horrors of Oct. 7, Rabbi Yisrael Gettinger of Congregation B'nai Torah was moved to travel to Israel to help assist in any way that he could. He went, not as part of an organized trip, but as a man moved to service. For 10 days, he served Israel and her people spending much of his time with soldiers in the southern Israel.

Rabbi Gettinger spent time visiting the various IDF bases and local hospitals. While on the base, Rabbi Gettinger said he was moved to see the soldiers’ religious connections and their commitment to the Jewish people. He spent time listening to and sharing with the soldiers about the importance of their service and sacrifice.

“One of the things that I emphasized to them was that they're not just fighting for themselves, or just defending their families and their communities, or even the entire State of Israel,” Rabbi Gettinger said. “They're really fighting for the Jewish people worldwide.”

Rabbi Gettinger emphasized how the soldiers were also fighting against a larger issue, the rise in antisemitism. He shared with them the struggle students on college campuses in which students around the world have felt threatened By those who would seek to end the Jewish people.

“There was a sense of purpose there,” Rabbi Gettinger said. “They felt that they were on a mission to do something very noble. I felt privileged to see that.”

Rabbi Gettinger also spent time visiting with wounded soldiers in hospitals. He met many soldiers whom he considers to be heroes, including one officer who had single-handedly killed 14 terrorists.

He also met with people who worked for ZAKA, a volunteer emergency response organization that focuses on saving lives and respecting the dead by ensuring a full Jewish burial for those who have a sudden death. The most experienced of ZAKA volunteers, who for decades have handled the remains of the suicide bombers, broke down in tears while talking with Rabbi Gettinger about their experiences of Oct. 7 and the aftermath.

Despite the devastation the people of Israel have endured, Rabbi Gettinger said the country is more united than ever.

“I noticed a stronger feeling of unity within the country,” Rabbi Gettinger said. “That was something that I appreciated and was sensitive to.”

He added that the soldiers returning from patrol in Gaza seemed to be in good spirits, full of confidence and optimism. One thing is certain, Israel and her people are resilient and strong.