The IDF Homefront over recent months has been working diligently to reach out to the chareidi community, undertaking a number of programs aimed at reaching frum households around the country.

According to Homefront Command Colonel Sofer, one program involves the distribution of literature and CDs in Yiddish. He explains that follow-up inspections have shown the program was successful, and the materials providing instruction in time of emergency were received well.

Sofer explained that working with rabbonim and advanced notification seems to have significantly contributed to the success, explaining he has met with a number of prominent rabbonim, including Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger Shlita, Rechovot Chief Rabbi Simcha HaCohen Kook Shlita and Migdal Ha’emek Chief Rabbi Dovid Grossman Shlita. All were more than willing to cooperate to get the information to the frum public.

Another program involves training frum soldiers to replace female soldiers who generally act as instructors in schools. The males are now capable of taking the command’s message to yeshivas, addressing 9th and 10th graders, instructing them how to act in case of emergency as well as how to assist others. He explains that here too, arrangements were always made in advance with rabbonim, and the soldiers were received warmly.

In yet a third effort, battalion level rabbonim area trained to instruct others how to assist in time of emergency and crisis. They now possess the tools to get the message out, reaching areas that others cannot, once again with the blessing of rabbonim.

Overall, Sofer is pleased with the cooperation and the level of penetration in the chareidi community along with the willingness of rabbonim and community to assist in bringing this vital message to as many homes as possible.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)