“Daddy, what do those colorful words say?”
9-year-old Jake was excited to notice a large vehicle with images of the Jewish holidays on his walk home from school.
It wasn’t just him. Thousands of people across New York City saw the prominent tanks that dominated the streets. The parade was a tremendous Kiddush Hashem and spread awareness of the 10 mivtzoyim established by the Rebbe. That week, women all over the city were inspired to light Shabbos candles. Thousands of men were given the opportunity to lay tefillin. And most importantly, the Rebbe’s vision was brought to life.
50 years ago, a war broke out in Israel on the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur. The Rebbe’s immediate call to action were the words of the famous passuk, “V’rau Kol Amei Ha’aretz.” With the proud display of Torah and Mitzvos, our enemy would see us and be afraid, leading to the ultimate victory of the Jewish people.
While the brave soldiers in Israel fought a physical war, Jews all over the world were encouraged to arm themselves for a spiritual battle.
Just like any war, this battle would be fought with tanks. But unlike the others, the tanks wouldn’t be filled with destructive weapons. Instead, they would spread light and inspire Yidden to grow closer to their heritage and add in their observance of Mitzvos.
That year, the Mitzvah Tank was born. The Rebbe named them, “Tanks against assimilation,” and they were dispatched to be a force of light for the streets of New York.
50 years later, we find ourselves, once again, in the midst of a war. But this time, it isn’t just a fight between two groups of people. It is a battle that represents the recurring threat posed by our enemies and the forces of darkness and evil throughout the world. With the tragic loss of thousands of lives, our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel fight a bold and challenging war.
But as Lubvitcher Chassidim, we know that a physical battle isn’t enough.
If tefillin had the power to scare away the enemy in 1973, it will have the same impact now, 50 years later! The Rebbe’s directive is clear. We must fight with spiritual armor and proclaim our Jewish pride to the world! As a community, let us make the Rebbe’s words a reality and combat evil with the light of Torah and Mitzvos.
Every tank brings us closer to our victory! Each mitzvah is another step toward our ultimate goal, the coming of Moshiach!
In honor of our upcoming Tank Parade, we turn to the community to join us in the fight! Visit our campaign to add more fuel to the fire. Together, let’s hit the streets of New York!
