The following was shared by a soldier fighting in Lebanon:
With gratitude to Hashem, my brothers and I are back in Israel from the battlefield in southern Lebanon. I would like to share with you all a great miracle that happened this past Erev Shabbos. Our mission was complete, and as we were waiting to start our journey back to Israel, the Hummer with all our bags was hit by an anti-tank missile. Baruch Hashem, everyone is okay; however, at that moment, I saw all of our gear go up in flames before my very eyes.
Back on base, we were told that very few items were saved from the Hummer. Thinking, “What are the odds?” I went to check. To my surprise, I found my bag. To my amazement and a great miracle from Hashem, the tallis came out without a scratch, and my tefillin only needs to be checked—the scrolls might need to find a new home. These are things that cannot be explained and are truly the work of the almighty. Tefillin is just as important as our rifles. Hashem gives us the strength to carry our rifles into battle. There is no other way—they are our shield and our protection.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask one thing from my brothers and sisters: bli neder, try to take upon yourselves to wrap tefillin and light Shabbos candles to give us, the soldiers, the will to keep fighting and to strengthen the love and protection from above. Shavua Tov. Am Yisrael Chai!
