On the eve of remembering Tish’ah B’Av, the Jewish anniversary of national destruction, the opportunity to contribute to Israel’s restoration was presented by the Young Israel of Holliswood, Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, and the Israel Action Committee.
On Sunday night, August 11, congregants flocked to the Young Israel of Holliswood to hear from IDF Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Jacob, whose initial random phone call to Holliswood’s Yakir Wachstock following the October 7 massacre led to the quick creation of Boots for Israel. Exactly ten months later, that very caller delivered a voice message firsthand, sharing updates from the frontline and how BFI has helped sustain the soles and morale of reservists.
As Lt. Col. Jacob chronicled the advent and impact of American initiatives like BFI on troops’ well-being, a reel of vivid photographs cycled behind him, displaying heartening progress despite harrowing loss. Seeing troops’ looks of determination and purpose as they take full advantage of BFI’s quality footgear encapsulates how BFI reflects the Israeli spirit through its promotion of movement.
The stories that Lt. Col. Jacob shared gave faces to those wearing the more than 60,000 pairs of boots that BFI has donated over its short lifespan. Especially impactful were the thrilling tales of hostage rescue attempts, where any nook or cranny could lead to triumph or tragedy. Lt. Col. Jacob imparted that rescuers must simultaneously move quickly yet lightly, highlighting the essentiality of tactical footwear. Stories of the IDF’s bravery can be anxiety-provoking to hear; how much more so for those living these situations, those that we hear about, and the many more that we don’t.
Lt. Col. Jacob elucidated that different mission types are allocated to particular personnel, clarifying a recent IDF statement that it already possesses all of the gear and supplies it needs. Lt. Col. Jacob explained that even if this were so, the statement doesn’t include all of the extra gear and supplies required by the over 350,000 reservists who were randomly called up on October 7, and upon whom the IDF relies to strengthen its ranks and operational capacity.
Leading a battalion of 700 reservists, Lt. Col. Jacob has overseen missions hunting down terrorists across the hostile and uncertain Gaza border. A considerable amount of movement and mobility are required, as his troops tirelessly patrol the areas of Yehudah and Shomron, both above and below ground, in order to prevent enemy incursion into Central Israel. BFI has served as a crucial supporter of Lt. Col. Jacob’s operations, whose commencement in Rafah conveyed to him the life-and-death difference in moving quickly and quietly. This is where a cause like BFI stepping up makes a deep imprint on the minds and bodies of Israelis, as the same boots used to defend Israel will also be used when it’s ready to rebuild.
The key message of Lt. Col. Jacob in particular, and BFI in general, is that the Jewish People best stand together when moving toward a shared goal of elevated purpose. Today’s challenges connect us to our biblical ancestors who were uprooted by Babylon at the dawn of our exile. Appropriately, Lt. Col. Jacob concluded his speech with a phrase that ties philanthropic initiatives like BFI to the ongoing journey of the Jewish People: B’yachad n’natzei’ach; together we will win, sole to soul.
To host your own packing event or speaking engagement with Yakir, please visit www.bootsforisrael.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Donations are greatly appreciated through www.thechesedfund.com/bootsontheground/bootsforisrael. Plus, follow BFI’s trail on Instagram @bootsforisrael and Facebook!
Jeremy, a corporate psychologist living in New York City, can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Jeremy Uliss
