Uniting Israel through the power of food

Making food for soldiers, southern evacuees and anyone who needs it at Ofaimme in Jerusalem, October 10, 2023 (Courtesy Offaime)

When we think about Israel, and the Jewish community across the world, what resonates most profoundly is the unwavering sense of community that binds the Jewish people together. This enduring bond is also the very foundation upon which organizations like GCI and Jewish National Fund USA firmly stand.

This sense of unity is particularly magnified during times of adversity. The entire nation has come together, extending a helping hand and sharing a bounty of food, which undeniably represents the essence of Jewish culture.

In the face of ongoing challenges, it wasn't an option for civilians to simply sit back and watch the war unfold on the news. Instead, they embarked on a two-fold mission: to ensure that people remained nourished and to uplift the spirits of all.

***Volunteers packing up meals Asif, part of the Tel Aviv restaurant effort to make thousands of meals a day during the 2023 Gaza-Israel war. (Courtesy: Asif)***

It is truly heartwarming to witness the outpouring of support across various social media platforms. Countless individuals joined forces, sharing posts that provided information about locations where food was being prepared. These gatherings weren't limited to just our soldiers but also included fellow civilians who were displaced from their homes.

Remarkable women took it upon themselves to cook for our soldiers and personally deliver these meals. Their goal was not merely to provide sustenance but to boost morale. Some even displayed their ingenuity by finding a unique way to foster connections during wartime, boldly inscribing their phone numbers on the food boxes. At the very least, our adversaries couldn't take away our sense of humor.

In a powerful display of unity, even restaurants went to great lengths to ensure that the food they provided adhered to kosher dietary laws. It was heartening to observe how, in this time of crisis, the divisions that may have separated us in the past were set aside when it came to helping a fellow community member. The level of religiosity ceased to be a defining factor; instead, a shared identity and a common purpose brought everyone together.

In general, fear seems to be a foreign concept in the Israeli vocabulary. Every day, numerous volunteers demonstrated extraordinary courage as they braved rocket attacks to prepare hot meals for the soldiers in the heart of the military zone. These examples illustrate an unwavering sense of duty that defines the Israeli nation.

What better way to achieve this unity than through the shared act of preparing and sharing food?

Here are some examples we can take pride in:

https://www.israel21c.org/chef-eyal-shani-skips-michelin-award-to-cook-for-troops/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-order-to-cook-for-tens-of-thousands-tel-aviv-restaurants-kasher-their-kitchens/

Uniting Israel Through the Power of Food