Nahal Soldier with new Sefer Torah
Nahal Soldier with new Sefer TorahIYIM

During the summer of 2014 Nahal Infantry Brigade soldiers fought bravely in Gaza alongside other combat units, with many Nahal soldiers among those making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Leo V. Berger Fund, led by its President, Harvey Schwartz, decided that a meaningful way of acknowledging their bravery was to donate a Sefer Torah to the Nahal training base near Arad. The Berger Fund made this contribution with the help of the IDF Torah project of the International Young Israel Movement (IYIM) – Israel, which has provided over 200 Sefer Torahs to military bases throughout Israel.  

On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, IDF Chief Rabbi Rafi Peretz, the commander of the Nahal brigade, the base commander, the rabbi of Nahal, the base rabbi and other military dignitaries, joined together in a ceremony at the base. New recruits from three different branches of the Nahal brigade took turns carrying the new Torah in a joyous procession around the base that concluded with the Torah being placed in its new home – the ark of the base synagogue.

Rabbi Peretz and the commanders emphasized the importance of this event taking place during the Ten Days of Repentance. Lt. Rabbi Benjy Levy, another speaker, focused on the outpouring of love and unity witnessed during the 55 days of war this summer.

Photos Courtesy of IYIM

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Harvey Schwartz (President, Leo. V. Berger Fund), Ceec Harrishburg (President, IYIM), and Daniel Meyer (Exec.-Director, IYIM).

This Torah to the IDF was the fourth such Torah donated as part of the Leo V. Berger Challenge Grant. For every two Sifrei Torah donated to the IDF by the International Young Israel Movement (IYIM), the Berger Fund donates a third.