Sgt. Maj. Y.M. Ben-Caro, a Paratrooper with the Israel Defense Force reserves, has created a worldwide initiative to collect audio recordings of members of the international Jewish community sounding the shofar. These recordings will then be played out loud on the front lines of Lebanon as an action intended to bolster the unity of the Jewish people globally and express international solidarity for the men and women serving in the Israel Defense Force (especially in combat zones).

“Here in the IDF we commonly say, ‘B’Yachad Nenetzeach’ (Together we will be victorious).” Sgt. Maj. Ben-Caro explains. “To me that’s not just a nice sentiment or a cliche`. Members of the Jewish community and other allies of Israel have done tremendous actions of support for the people of Israel and especially the Israel Defense Force as we fight off the existential threats from armies of terror against our people and our homeland. It is truly an incredible phenomenon to receive so much love and encouragement from all over the world, often in multiple languages.”

In the spirit of the high holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur as well as the ancient times of the Tanakh when the shophetim (judges) of Israel would sound the shofar to rally the troops to victory, Sgt. Maj. Ben-Caro is providing an opportunity to every Jewish person around the world to remotely join him and other IDF soldiers in this powerful spiritual tradition of the sounding of the shofar.

Sgt. Maj. Ben-Caro intends to play the recordings out loud during the “Days of Awe” between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur on the front lines of the Lebanon operational area. Members of the Jewish people of all types and kinds are invited to join in this initiative.

To participate, please send Sgt. Maj. Y.M. Ben-Caro an email with an attached file (ideally smaller than 25 mb) of an audio recording (or a simple video with sound) of your rendition of the blowing of the shofar. Other short samples of Jewish content, such as Tehillim for soldiers or even brief words of encouragement, inspiration, devarei Torah, etc., are also welcome. (There is no cost or charge of any kind to participate.)

This worldwide shofar initiative is a pilot action of “David’s Arrows”, an Israel advocacy and education project created by Sgt. Maj. (Res.) Y.M. Ben-Caro. Originally from Los Angeles, California and later a community member of Phoenix, Arizona and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ben-Caro actively serves in the Israel Defense Force reserves in a variety of roles, especially combat and drone operations. He has served for over 800 days (and counting) from October 7th, 2023 even after he received official “wounded in action” status when he was shot in the foot. Despite still being operational on the front lines, Sgt. Maj. Y.M. Ben-Caro has launched this initiative to increase awareness, meaningful communication, and educated dialogue about Israel and the IDF. This program is especially (but not exclusively) focused on Jewish young people – the next generation of Am Yisrael.

Note: To contact Ben-Caro, email is preferred. If you use WhatsApp, please first send a SMS/text message to introduce yourself.

Videos, photos, and interview materials are available upon request.

Sgt. Maj. Y.M. Ben-Caro (IDF Res.)
David’s Arrows: Israel Education & Advocacy