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June 13, 2003/Sivan 13 5763, Vol. 55, No. 42
International pizza delivery
LEISAH NAMM
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 An Israeli soldier thanks Chabad of the East Valley for their support - and for pizza. Photo courtesy of Chabad of the East Valley |
Through PizzaIDF, a program through an Israeli Web site, Jews everywhere can send pizza and soft drinks to active duty soldiers in Israel.
The pizzas come from pizzerias in Israel and are delivered to soldiers out in the field: jeep and foot patrols, roadblocks, army bases and guard duty, according to the Israel Visit Web site.
Along with the pizzas, the organization also delivers personal messages of support and gratitude to the soldiers. Children and parents from Chabad of the East Valley recently sent messages - with pizza - to the soldiers.
Messages included:
"Dear Soldier, May you have courage under fire. May you rise up above your comrades to defeat the enemy. May you always be remembered as someone who was brave enough to defend their nation. Love, Suzanne Rich"
"Good luck, are hearts are with you. Love, Batya"
"Thank you for fighting for people. Good luck and hope you have a safe return. Love, Tamara B."
Pizza and soft drink prices range from $16.95 for a patrol (feeds five soldiers) to $269.75 for a company (90 soldiers).
During the summer months, the program also offers ice cream delivery to the soldiers.
All products are Kosher L'Mehadrin, so soldiers of all levels of observance can eat them.
IsraelVisit, a Web site based in Israel that provides information about Israel and a platform for Israeli artisans to present their products via the Internet, has sent Mishloach Manot to soldiers each Purim for the last five years. The pizza project is an extension of this concept, says IsraelVisit administrator Karen Bruce, via e-mail.
"Sending our soldiers pizza at this time provides them a much-needed morale boost by demonstrating support from around the world and at the same time providing people outside of Israel with a way to express their solidarity with Israel at this crucial time," she says.
The project also provides many people in Israel with a means of continuing their business activities - from pizza restaurant owners to delivery people and the sales staff, according to the Web site.
Visit www.PizzaIDF.org.