A contentious battle is unfolding between American Jewish donors and the IDF, centered on the equipment needs of soldiers fighting in Gaza. For nearly a year, supporters have inundated Israel with donated military gear, despite the IDF's insistence that such supplies aren't necessary.
The situation came to a head this week when General Tamir Yadai, commander of Israel's ground forces, issued a stark directive. His memo, obtained by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, demands "utmost enforcement and maximum punishment" against those bringing in unauthorized equipment. The order applies across the board, even to parents of serving soldiers.
The IDF's stance is rooted in safety concerns. They argue that non-standard gear could put troops at risk in combat situations. But donors paint a different picture. They claim their donations often surpass military-issue equipment in quality and reliability. Some point to disturbing examples of soldiers entering Gaza wearing helmets from the 1970s, dented and worn.
This disagreement has driven some supporters to take drastic measures. Jonathan Greenwald, a Miami-based private equity manager, revealed his network's tactics for bypassing customs. "Most of what we send over is by a passenger, in their luggage," he admitted. "We don't declare - that's what makes it smuggling."
The conflict has exposed a deep rift in perceptions. While the IDF maintains there are no equipment shortages, donors see a military desperately in need of support. This gap has led to increasingly bold acts of defiance from supporter groups.
One such organization, Unit 11741, has taken a particularly confrontational stance. They've publicly offered to cover legal expenses for any soldier arrested in Yadai's crackdown. Daniel Mael, the group's leader, didn't mince words in a video response: "Do not worry, your life is more important than anything General Yadai can do sending police after you."
The situation is further complicated by bureaucratic hurdles. Donors report facing significant obstacles at Israeli customs, including unexpected taxes and confiscations. Even when items clear initial checks, they often encounter additional barriers.
This grassroots effort has raised eyebrows among some observers. Lila Corwin Berman, a Temple University historian specializing in Jewish philanthropy, sees it as a troubling sign. "It seems that civil society is trying to fill a gap that has been created by a state in disarray and under profound stress," she noted.
Some donors, like Greenwald, draw parallels to historical efforts to arm Jewish forces before Israel's independence. "I view it as 1948," he said, referencing Israel's War of Independence. "We are just trying to get stuff to the guys that need it."
* JTA contributed to this article.