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PESACH (PASSOVER) 2010
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Our warmest Passover greetings to you, Our Friends,
As I have been contemplating Passover, the holiday of liberation from bondage, I pray that Light and Mercy can humbly continue to be part of G-d’s ongoing liberation of His People.
I pray that our gift baskets of Passover food to needy families will liberate them from the fear of not having a family Passover Seder. I pray the clothes and necessities we give to the children in poverty will liberate them from the fear of living in deprivation. Most of all, I pray that you, who give from your hearts, will be used to liberate the needy from the crushing fear that no one cares.
Today I need your help for special soldiers that safeguard the precious gift of liberation for the people of Israel - The Givati Brigade.
The Givati Brigade was formed in 1947 to defend the central region of Israel. During the 1948 War of Independence 860 brave Givati soldiers died fighting for the survival of Israel. In 1949 the Givati Brigade was divided, and in 1956 it was disbanded.
In 1982 there were threats to Israel from Southern Lebanon. The IDF needed a mechanized infantry brigade, modeled after the US Marine Corps...skilled in anti-tank warfare, paratroop, and marine amphibious landings. On June 13, 1983 the Givati Brigade was officially regrouped. During this first Lebanon War the Givati Brigade played a key role in Security Zone operations, and fought heroic battles against Hezbollah guerrillas.
In 2002 the Brigade was deployed in the Gaza Strip. They fought valiantly against terrorists during both Palestinian uprisings. Sadly, many Givati soldiers protecting civilians, and searching for tunnels used to smuggle weapons, were killed by Palestinian terrorist sniper fire. The Brigade was awarded a Medal of Honor for its service during the Intifada.
On May 11 and 12, 2004 two of Givati’s armored personnel carriers were attacked by terrorists, killing 11 soldiers. After the loss of two more soldiers, the Givati Brigade participated in Israel’s campaign to destroy the Rafah terror infrastructure, destroy the tunnels used for smuggling, and stop illegal missile shipment. The Givati’s Recon Battalion, combat engineering platoon, and Bedouin scouts battalion won a Recommendation of Honor for suppressing most of Rafah’s notorious tunnels. In September 2004, Palestinian gunmen infiltrated Morag and killed another three Givati soldiers. In 2008 the Givati Brigade fought during the ground war of Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. Thank G-d, their casualties were light.
Presently the Givati Brigade is involved in precarious security operations, serving in Judea and Samaria, patrolling the borders, and manning positions near Lebanon. The Givati Brigade is a demanding, well¬ disciplined fighting force. The courage and strength of the Givati Brigade has earned honor and respect from all in Israel.
Light and Mercy has been asked to help in the publishing of a booklet about the history of the Givati Brigades since their 1982 reorganization. The booklet also highlights each soldier serving in the Brigade at this time, and there is a special section in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in combat. We have made it our goal to present each Givati soldier with a copy of this book. Even though we do not yet have payment, G-d has touched the heart of the printer and he has agreed to complete the book. We are reaching out to you and all people who understand how important and meaningful this project is. We are asking you to share in this blessing and join us in this tribute of honor and admiration that these brave, young soldiers deserve.
It is Passover…it is a time of miracles…it is a time to thank G-d for our ongoing liberation.
We thank G-d for you.
Miki Solomon, Founder
Light and Mercy
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Donations to Light and Mercy can be made at:
http://www.lightandmercy.com/donations.html
Light and Mercy is a Non-Profit Relief Organization
P.O. Box 4022, Ariel 44837 ISRAEL
Cell Phone: +972-50-202-3041
Office: +972-2-624-7005
Fax: +972-2-624-7007
email Light222@netvision.net.il
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Thank you for your kindness and generousity - our G-D will bless you mightily.
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