The display of terror and inhumanity has seared an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of younger Jews, for whom the Holocaust and Yom Kippur War were only historical concepts contemplated in retrospect. Inspired to immediate action, a group of Bergen County volunteers quickly banded together to corral supplies needed by the IDF and civilians, pack them, and ship them to Israel. Since October 8th, this core group has undertaken a powerful grassroots campaign to recruit hundreds of volunteers of all ages, rent a local warehouse, raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, and coordinate international efforts—determinedly barreling through red tape and political minutia—to pack and ship 7,500+ duffel bags and over 100 tons of palleted cargo of essential supplies needed by IDF soldiers defending Israel. 

Calling themselves Bergen County (BC) Lev Echad, they’re run by a dedicated group of individuals who forsake personal and professional responsibilities to fuel these powerful efforts. But as the war in Israel continues and soldiers are in dire need of even basic supplies, they need more support from the global Jewish community and beyond to continue their sacred work.