Lessons from Lord of the Rings and IDF Veterans in Deal, NJ

In the midst of war, when fear and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm, it wasn’t the grand strategies or powerful weapons that carried me through the darkest moments on the Gaza border. Instead, it was the small, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness and bravery from the ordinary soldiers beside me that provided the strength to keep moving forward. This idea is beautifully captured in a line from The Lord of the Rings that has always resonated with me. Gandalf, the wise and ever-watchful wizard, is asked why he chose simple, unremarkable individuals for a perilous mission rather than relying on those with great power. His answer has stayed with me, a testament to the extraordinary potential within us all:

Some believe only great power can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.

The wisdom in Gandalf’s words recently came to life for me during a profound experience with the Peace of Mind program in Deal, New Jersey. Founded by Dr. Danny Brom at the Metiv Israel Psychotrauma Center in Jerusalem, this program serves as a vital bridge connecting IDF veterans who have faced the harshest realities of combat with Jewish communities around the world. The mission is clear: to guide these courageous soldiers as they transition back to civilian life. But it’s more than just a program—it’s a lifeline.

In Deal, I witnessed firsthand the incredible power of this initiative. Families opened their homes and hearts, creating a sanctuary where these veterans could find the solace they so desperately needed. The result? A transformation that was as profound for the soldiers as it was for the community that embraced them.

Last week, I had the privilege of accompanying IDF veterans from the elite Duvdevan Unit to Deal, a community of Syrian Jews who had relocated from Brooklyn for the summer. At the outset, the contrast was stark: highly trained Israeli soldiers stepping into the world of an American Jewish enclave. Yet by the end of the week, that contrast had melted away, leaving behind something far more powerful—one big, united family.

One evening, while reminiscing with my army buddies, a friend asked about the highlight of the week. Though there were countless incredible moments, one stood out above the rest. On Shabbat morning, we visited Ohel Yitzhak synagogue, where the veterans were welcomed not as strangers but as long-lost family. Smiles, handshakes, and hugs flowed freely, turning unfamiliar faces into lifelong friends in an instant. But the most poignant moment came when these soldiers were called for an Aliyah—an honor to approach the Torah for a blessing.

Imagine the scene: twenty-one strong, humble young men standing shoulder to shoulder at the Torah, bound by shared experiences and surrounded by an outpouring of love. Together, they stood alongside a compassionate rabbi who took a moment to honor there fallen comrade, Capt. Yotam Ben Bassat z”l, 24, who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting innocent lives on October 7th. The atmosphere was charged with a deep sense of kedusha (holiness), so powerful it felt almost tangible. In those sacred minutes, these soldiers were no longer just veterans; they became part of a greater, loving family and community. From a very young age, I’ve wrestled with doubts. I was raised in a home where asking questions was seen as a strength, not a weakness. But in moments like these, all my doubts—about God, my country, and my tradition—simply melt away.

The rest of the week was filled with a mix of therapeutic sessions, beach outings, and more. Yet, what resonated most was the lasting connection forged between the soldiers and the community. By the week’s end, the veterans departed not just with renewed strength but with a profound sense of gratitude for the support they had received. It was a testament to the community’s unwavering efforts and a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of these bonds.

The guys having fun between the therapy sessions.

As our week in Deal, NJ, came to a close, I reflected on the profound impact this experience had on everyone involved. The veterans departed with renewed strength, while the community gained a priceless bond with these courageous individuals. Every person in the community embodied the essence of Abraham’s response to God’s call—Hineni (Here I am). These words weren’t just a declaration; they were a heartfelt commitment to stand by these soldiers, not just for a week, but for a lifetime. With open hearts and unwavering love, the community collectively declared, “Here I am”—ready to support one another, now and always.

Gandalf’s wisdom reminds us that it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness and love that truly spread light. What I witnessed in Deal was precisely that. The warm embraces, shared meals, and moments of prayer transformed this gathering into something sacred. These simple acts of love and connection pushed back the darkness, combating the isolation and pain these soldiers have known. This experience powerfully reaffirms that Jews in America and Israel are part of one large, interconnected family. The bravery of these young men, who risk everything to protect us, only strengthens the ties that bind us across oceans and generations. We stand together as a united family, driven by a common purpose and an unbreakable commitment to one another.

As the week came to an end, Jewish American families bid heartfelt farewells, imploring these young Israeli men to take care of themselves, their love evident in every word. Though they had only met a week ago, they are now bound together for life, and these moments of unity serve to keep the darkness at bay, one act of love at a time. Personally, im deeply grateful to my hosts, who made me feel truly at home. Their connection to Israel runs deep, with every fiber of their being resonating with love and commitment to our shared homeland. I will miss our morning conversation with that great cold brew.

This unyielding determination of the Jewish people, both in Israel and America, is not just about survival; it’s about truly embracing life in all its celebrations. It is our unwavering spirit and unyielding resilience that guide us through the darkest of times, ensuring that our bonds grow stronger and our light never dims.  With broken hearts but a strong spirit, pride and faith, the Jewish people, both in Israel and America, will continue to lift their voices in song—welcoming Shabbat with “Lecha Dodi” and honoring our homeland, Israel with singing “Hatikvah.” May God bless America, and may the State of Israel thrive forever. Long live our people, long live our hope.Capt. Yotam Ben Bassat z”l, 24, humble and dedicated.