In the heart of the combat zone near Gaza, a powerful moment of holiness recently took place. The organization Ezer LaChayal officially inaugurated a beautiful mikvah, the first built inside an IDF base on the Gaza border.
The idea began when organizers recognized a growing need among soldiers serving on the front lines who wanted access to a mikvah while stationed at the base. Despite the challenges of building inside an active combat zone, construction was completed within just a few weeks. The result is a magnificent, clean, and fully halachically compliant mikvah serving soldiers on site.
Since its opening, the mikvah has quickly become a central part of life on the base. Hundreds of religious, chareidi, and Chabad soldiers immerse daily before heading out on operational missions. Even more moving is the steady flow of soldiers and commanders who are not yet observant, who come to immerse and experience the sanctity of the space.
The sight of Jewish soldiers preparing spiritually before defending the Jewish people brings to life the possuk, “And your camp shall be holy,” reminiscent of the army of King David.
The project was made possible through the generous support of the Benjaminson family of Crown Heights, Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson and his sons Dovber Benjaminson and Chaim Benjaminson.
adapted from COLlive
