Posted on 01/30/24
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 30, 2024 - One night of the 6th RCA solidarity mission sponsored by the Mizrachi World Movement, the group attended a late-night BBQ in the south of Israel near an army base near the Gaza border. There in the desert tent were uniformed soldiers waiting. The buses wandered the untravelled and unpaved roads for a meet-up with a solidarity mission from Staten Israel, and also a group from Kemp Mill Synagogue in Silver Spring, MD led by Rabbi Brahm Weinberg.
The meeting of multiple former and present Maryland residents, with the reserve soldiers was a solidarity trip highlight. Not only a great meal, but also the soldiers received letters and good wishes brought from the US. Maariv and music and a bit of dancing added to the celebration.
Bake Batation is another volunteer group effort that continues to grow even as the war goes into a fourth month. From Yerushalayim alone, carloads of home-baked goods are taken each Thursday night to Tel Aviv to the Hamal Hamatok where the treats are packaged and sent to various army positions for Shabbat.
Challah, cookies, and cakes are appreciated by the soldiers in Gaza and in the bases along the southern and northern borders. From various WhatsApp groups, the baking is coordinated and reports from the soldiers arrive back in text messages and videos of appreciation.
One comment as an example, "I received a direct phone call from two women soldiers who, if heard it right, are on the Golan/ Syrian border. They loved the goodies we make even though this time my chocolate cake had totally ‘cooked’ out of the pan and it was a soupy mess and I had given them spoons to eat the cake. They sounded so enthusiastic and happy. Amazing these young people. This whole endeavor is so good to be a part of. Shabbat Shalom"
"Beautiful! And they seem to love the spoons, no matter how soupy the brownies! Look at their faces!" was responded.
So back to baking challah and more cookies this week. As the war goes on, those on the home front are finding purpose and joy in feeding the army, by providing fresh goodies for Shabbat along with notes of love and appreciation.
