Support served up with extra cheese
DIASPORA JEWS HAVE been quick to support Israel at a time of conflict, but as well as the traditional appeals, some more unusual relief projects have emerged.
A group called Pizza IDF has delivered thousands of kosher pizzas to soldiers — and is now directing its efforts to those serving in the south. Organisers have also launched Burger IDF; for those wanting to give soldiers a kosher meaty alternative.
Since the war started, many people have posted Twitter messages of support and Instagram photos to soldiers. Israeli actress Gal Gadot sparked an online storm when she posted a Facebook photo of herself and daughter Alma praying for Israeli troops by Shabbat candles, with anti-Israel activists claiming she was supporting “child murderers”. The media savvy star hit back with a series of hard-hitting hashtags, including: #weareright #freegazafromhamas #stopterror #coexistence, and of course, #loveidf.
Chabad has launched a campaign urging people to write a letter to a soldier and photograph themselves performing a mitzvah in his or her honour.
Many charities are sending toiletries to troops on the border, but StandWithUs have gone one step further. Female fighters were pleased to receive hampers full of mineral scrubs, soaps and deodorants donated by Garnier in Israel.
Organisations such as One Family UK have published lists of names of the injured soldiers and called on Jews to pray for their recov
ery.