Rabbinical association donates cell-phone battery packs so IDF soldiers can call home

Tzohar raised money through private donations to buy the battery packs and is hoping to purchase another 2,500.

Soldiers with battery packs. (photo credit: Courtesy)
Soldiers with battery packs.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Tzohar rabbinical association has provided 4,000 portable cell phone battery packs to IDF soldiers involved in the military campaign in Gaza and allow them to keep in touch with their families when off duty. 
The initiative, which was implemented in cooperation with the Lema’an Acahai social services organization, was undertaken to allow soldiers to call home and speak with their loved ones who are naturally worrying about the well-being of their sons.
With the soldiers stationed out in open territory close to the Gaza Strip, keeping their phones charged is very difficult so the portable chargers are a helpful solution in allowing them to keep in touch with their families.
Having identified the one Israeli supplier that provides fully charged battery packs ready for use they were distributed just before the weekend to soldiers on the front lines to the Golani, Nachal, Givati, Paratroopers, brigades as well as to the Armored, Engineering and Artillery Corps.
Tzohar raised money through private donations to buy the battery packs and is hoping to purchase another 2,500.
The chargers were gratefully received by soldiers and Tzohar has received many warm wishes and pictures sent by soldiers for the gift.
“Seeing the support from all over the world, we feel like we are not alone,” said Ophir, an officer in Golani. “Being able to call home to wish a Shabbat Shalom to my mother will not only make her feel better, but renews my strength in this important mission. You have no idea how much this means to us.”
“As an active combat reservist, I know that the IDF takes full care of any and all needs of its soldiers,” said Nachman Rosenberg, Executive Vice President of Tzohar who spearheaded this operation. “Nonetheless, we were looking for something practical that could have a meaningful impact in boosting the morale of both the soldiers and their families. We hope that this will enable families to wish Shabbat Shalom to their sons, husbands and fathers fighting Hamas terrorists on the front lines.