The Way To Our Stomach is Through Our Hearts: Show Israelis You Care
With the continued terrorism throughout the country, Israelis remain on high security alert. This means that many are choosing to stay at home instead of going out.
It means that soldiers and police are now roaming the almost-empty streets, to make sure those going to work, running errands, or refusing to be stuck inside, will be protected.
The combination has caused many eateries to suffer. After all, if people don’t go out to eat, the cafes and restaurants can’t make a plate of their finest for all of Jerusalem’s citizens. And while soldiers may be hungry, enjoying delicious meals while on foot patrol isn’t in the cards.
As Jews, food is always important to us. You have to admit that most of our holidays center around the meal, the food treats: matzo balls (not matzah!), honey and apples, and even large amounts of cheese cake. As a Jewish woman and now Jewish mother, I am worried that everyone needs to eat, that they don’t eat enough or they need food for later -- just in case.
In that spirit, many organizations have taken it upon themselves to create initiatives for people to get out and eat, and to sponsor meals for security while on patrol. As always, we love highlighting the grassroots efforts that truly make a difference in people’s lives and we want to help YOU - wherever you may be in the world - know about them so that we can keep alive the spirit of ‘Showing Israelis You Care.’
- EAT 4 THE SAKE OF JERUSALEM, The International Young Israel Movement
Show your solidarity, support and friendship by sponsoring a meal in a Jerusalem restaurant. This campaign will make sure while you can’t enjoy the meal, you will have the great satisfaction of knowing someone else will. Click HERE to sponsor a meal today!
- THE MUFFIN BOUTIQUE, Jerusalem
Muffin Boutique owner, Shmayra Richler, took it upon himself to, “offer any on-duty soldier, police officer or medic a free bagel sandwich, drink and muffin,” when they visit the store. The store, will give a 25 % reduction in the standard cost, and they are looking for people to sponsor the balance of NIS 25 per meal. Security personnel will receive a card with the donors names (you can choose to be anonymous) to know that you support them. Below is menu and contact info to place an order. Their muffins are more than delicious and some are even healthy! To sponsor a meal for those who protect Israelis, Email shmaryar@gmail.com / Call Phone +972 2 5 00 00 41 (store) or +972 52 77 22 368 (cell)
- EATIFADA
This new Facebook and food initiative aims to get Israelis out and challenge others to do so as well, proving that the terror will NOT control our lives! The campaign encourages people to enjoy a local restaurant, pay for a soldier’s meal, post fun pictures and videos, and fill our bellies and our hearts at the same time. If you’re not in Israel, support the cause with a like and encourage Israelis to reconnect with their food in the spirit of the Jewish People! Click HERE to join the Eatifada today!
- TSAHAL PIZZA
For the past three years the organization has been delivering pizza, food packages and much more to soldiers based throughout the country. There are a variety of options and ways to give. Click HERE to sponsor a pizza for soldiers today!
As for me, I too make sure the soldiers protecting my neighborhood have plenty of treats and a warm Shabbat meal, even if they have to eat it outside on patrol. My neighborhood, which has been under attack for two years and has been a hotbed of terrorism these recent days, has come together as a community to make sure those on the frontlines know we appreciate them.
During these tough times, there are many ways to bridge the distance. Interested in sponsoring a delivery to a local scool? Want to share a recipe mom’s at home can make with their kids? The possibilities are endless… but one thing is clear: No matter how far away you might be, we can every one of us can make a difference!
Have an idea or campaign you want to have featured? Click HERE to share it with us!
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SHOW ISRAELIS YOU CARE
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