Cowboys from Utah and Montana have made headlines after their journey to Israel to provide assistance to Israeli farming communities in the West Bank. This group of American cowboys, led by John Plocher and Yosef “Yoss” Strain, attracted attention when they were spotted at New York’s JFK Airport on November 6th, and again upon their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Photos of their journey quickly went viral on social media platforms, with one post on X, formerly Twitter, gaining millions of views.
The cowboys are part of Operation Ittai, a project initiated by HaYovel, a Christian volunteer organization that operates in the West Bank, also known as “Judea and Samaria.” The mission of Operation Ittai is to address the critical needs of small farms in the region, particularly as many Israeli reservists from the farming community have been called up to serve in the military.
Joshua Waller, the director of operations for HaYovel, emphasized the importance of providing aid to these farmers, as their livelihoods are at risk. Waller explained that while significant attention has been focused on the areas most affected by the recent Hamas attacks, other parts of Israel are also facing struggles. Operation Ittai aims to raise nearly $30 million to provide essential supplies such as protective vests, thermal drones, night-vision goggles, binoculars, flashlights, and security cameras to Jewish communities in the West Bank, which Waller claims are under constant threat from terrorism.
These farms are located in close proximity to Arab villages, some of which harbor hostility towards the Jewish communities. Waller highlighted a recent incident where a Jewish family, including an infant, was shot at and left in critical condition. He emphasized that terrorism is a pervasive issue in the region and that the world often overlooks the reality of the situation. Waller attributed this to the desire to divide Israel and create another Arab state, leaving the Jewish people vulnerable.
Waller also expressed concern over the lack of support from the Biden administration, citing the halt in arms shipments to the region. He stated that the American government must not abandon the 500,000 Jewish individuals living in Hamas territory and emphasized that the cowboys’ mission sends a clear message: they refuse to allow these Jews to be left defenseless. They are determined to stand with the Israeli farming communities and ensure their safety.
In conclusion, American cowboys have undertaken a courageous journey to Israel to support farmers in the West Bank amidst the devastating Hamas attacks. Their efforts, coordinated through Operation Ittai and HaYovel, aim to address critical needs and provide essential supplies to Jewish communities facing the constant threat of terrorism. This act of solidarity demonstrates unwavering support for Israel and a refusal to allow its citizens to be left vulnerable.
