At a Shabbat farbrengen (gathering) at Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, the Rebbe called on world Jewry to increase their performance of good deeds in the merit of their brethren in Israel, and especially to bolster the fulfillment of the mitzvah to put on tefillin. The Rebbe quoted the verse, “All the nations of the earth will see that the name of the L‑rd is upon you, and they will fear you.” Our sages tell us that we merit the fulfillment of this divine promise through wearing tefillin.
Chabad-Lubavitch followers around the globe immediately began encouraging Jewish men to don tefillin. Following the Rebbe’s instructions, and a special telegram he sent to the soldiers asking them to join in this biblical command, special emphasis was placed on going to the frontlines and assisting IDF forces in putting on tefillin. Those furthest from fulfilling the commandments back at home were often among the first who lined up to perform this special mitzvah.