In a remarkable show of unity and support, thousands of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community members in Israel have stepped forward as volunteers to assist their nation during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This grassroots mobilization has seen haredi individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life come together to provide vital aid in various critical areas.
As Israel grapples with the tragic loss of over 1,500 lives and the captivity of more than 220 individuals by Hamas, the haredi community's response has been nothing short of extraordinary. One of the standout initiatives that have emerged from this collective effort is Chamal HaAchdut (The Unity Corps), a project established by Kikar Hashabbat, a haredi news outlet, and the Tatia Foundation.
A unified effort to make a difference
The formation of Chamal HaAchdut was swift and purposeful, coinciding with the difficult news during the Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday. “This initiative was created to allow the haredi public to actively contribute and participate in addressing the urgent needs arising from the conflict,” one of the organizers told The Jerusalem Post. “Without hesitation, professionals from various fields joined forces, resulting in the establishment of one of the most effective and significant Chamal units in Israel,” he added.
Diverse divisions, shared goals
Chamal's activity is divided into three core divisions, each dedicated to addressing critical needs.
The True Kindness division: More than 7,000 volunteers have come forward to provide comprehensive support for funerals and shivas (the Jewish mourning period). From ensuring dignified funerals with an appropriate number of participants to supplying shiva essentials and offering additional assistance as required, these volunteers have been a pillar of strength for grieving families.
In addition, there is a group that assists the IDF and southern residents: Hundreds of haredi women and families have been volunteering daily preparing approximately 6,000 hot meals. These meals are distributed to IDF soldiers and the families of evacuees, addressing a crucial need during this challenging time.
“We have a few families that have decided to prepare over 150 cooked meals daily on their own,” the source said. In addition, over 900 haredi drivers volunteered to ensure the safe delivery of these meals to destinations across the country, including remote IDF bases along the northern and southern borders.
An additional division has mobilized over 2,500 volunteers “willing to contribute wherever their skills and manpower are needed most,” according to the source. “From assisting the elderly who live alone to working in factories and farms whose employees have been called up for military service, these volunteers are tackling a wide range of essential tasks.”
One poignant example of the impact of this volunteer effort is the support provided to lone soldiers. When Eli-Ami Shmailov, a lone soldier from Moscow, fell in combat, his family traveled from Russia to attend his funeral. However, they had few connections in Israel.
Shmailov's fellow soldiers, who were unharmed, couldn't leave the front lines to attend the funeral. Chamal HaAchdut issued a call for volunteers to participate in the mitzvah of true kindness for Shmailov, and an astounding 2,500 people joined the funeral. Following the funeral, these volunteers continued to stand by Shmailov's family during the shiva period and provide ongoing support.
“The Haredi community's dedication and commitment to aiding their fellow citizens during this crisis is a testament to the strength of unity and compassion,” a second organizer told the Post. “As Israel faces daily challenges, these volunteers, through Chamal HaAchdut and similar initiatives, demonstrate the power of collective action and the unwavering spirit of solidarity in times of adversity.”