What do Israeli soldiers say they really need right now? Clean socks and soap. But what would they want right now, if asked? A cold drink, their favorite snack, maybe even ... a slice of pizza.

For combat soldiers in Gaza and at the border in the blazing desert heat of the Middle Eastern summer, a small taste of comfort and home goes a long way.

People have been asking how to help, and there is a tangible way to do so.

Around the world, people have been organizing care packages for soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, raising funds for supplies and staples, such as socks, shoes, snacks, T-shirts, shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletries, wipes and mosquito repellent. Many of these packages also include a note or letter from supporters around the world, especially from children.

It’s a way to stand with Israel from afar.

Individual Chabad centers abroad have been organizing their own efforts in this regard almost from the time Israeli troops were called up. For example, Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg in Canada, co-directed by Rabbi Shmuel and Adina Altein, helped jump-start a move where supplies purchased from a store in Ofakim, Israel, are delivered to troops as they come out of Gaza to rest and recharge. It’s a two-prong bonus: helping the soldiers and boosting small businesses in southern Israel. (To assist click here)

Volunteer Gruny Tzvin wrote on the blog for the effort: “Today, I personally went to deliver our packages at the border. What an amazing experience ... thanks to all of you for the opportunity. Please continue to support [this effort] so we can keep helping our soldiers and the small businesses in the south. All personal messages are so appreciated by the soldiers, so keep them coming—I print them and put them in the packages.”

As pictured below, Chabad emissaries around Israel, as well as representatives of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel and its Chabad Terror Victims Project, are delivering much-needed staples and treats in their regular visits to bases just outside the Gaza border, and are requesting aid from all who wish to assist in the effort. (To assist click here)

The Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—encouraged mitzvot and positive action to help bring peace and goodness into the world. Individual good deeds, no matter how small they might seem, perpetuate the legacies of those who have fallen and ensure the continued safety of all those under attack.

Those wishing to write a letter and dedicate a mitzvah to IDF soldiers can click here to participate.

For more news, impressions, mitzvahs and prayers related to Operation Protective Edge, click here.

A stack of useful staples for Israeli soldiers, helped by community members affiliated with Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg in Canada.
A stack of useful staples for Israeli soldiers, helped by community members affiliated with Chabad-Lubavitch of Winnipeg in Canada.
Rabbi Zalman Traxler, left, and Rabbi Danny Cohen, both of Chabad of Hebron, deliver hot pizzas to hungry soldiers in the field.
Rabbi Zalman Traxler, left, and Rabbi Danny Cohen, both of Chabad of Hebron, deliver hot pizzas to hungry soldiers in the field.
Soldiers unpack boxes of much-needed goods sent by supporters.
Soldiers unpack boxes of much-needed goods sent by supporters.
Cold drinks and snack foods bring relief to the Israel Defense Forces.
Cold drinks and snack foods bring relief to the Israel Defense Forces.
An IDF soldier displays a child's message, tucked into packages of food.
An IDF soldier displays a child's message, tucked into packages of food.
Beverages necessary for hydration in the Mideast summer sun.
Beverages necessary for hydration in the Mideast summer sun.
The Crocs and towels will help, but it's the message of support that speaks the loudest.
The Crocs and towels will help, but it's the message of support that speaks the loudest.