"Shishnitzel" Project: Honoring Israel's Heroes
The "Shishnitzel" (FridaySchnitzel) project is a volunteer-based initiative that was established following the events of October 7th and has been operating continuously since October to support IDF soldiers.
Every Friday, approximately 120 volunteers gather in Nir Galim to prepare hot schnitzel challahs, which are then distributed to around 4,000 IDF soldiers stationed in Lebanon, Gaza, the surrounding settlements, and Judea and Samaria.
Volunteers from all over Israel and the diaspora come together, young and old alike. From Taglit participants to local residents, the Beit El community (Christian friends of Israel) to Jews from the US and Europe, a diverse and inspiring group of people unite to support our beloved IDF soldiers.
Preparations for the deliveries begin as early as Tuesday with the opening of the order system for company commanders (approximately 300 commanders from various units), followed by the volunteer registration app and the opening of the kitchen, usually on Wednesdays, for preliminary preparations leading up to the main event on Friday.
At exactly 6:00 AM on Friday, our preparation tent opens, and countless volunteers stream in to fry schnitzels, slice bread, and lovingly prepare the sandwiches.
The schnitzel sandwiches are packaged with homemade baked goods, fruits, and endless treats overflowing with goodness.
By 10:00 AM, our dedicated transporters will arrive to deliver the boxes directly to the unit assembly points in the field.
Words cannot describe our excitement and overwhelming feeling upon receiving the numerous thank-you videos and WhatsApp messages from soldiers in the various areas.
Our schnitzel challas, homemade baked goods, and many treats provide them with a taste of home and, most importantly, a strong sense of solidarity with an entire nation standing by their side.
The entire project relies on financial donations from numerous generous donors.
Unfortunately, the flow of donations has been dramatically decreasing, and we are determined to continue the project as long as we are at war.
We will do everything in our power to keep it going.
Our fundraising goal is 100,000 NIS to cover an entire month of operations.
The cost of each weekly operation is approximately 25,000 NIS (approximately 7 NIS per sandwich, and about 4,000 sandwiches each week).
The main costs are for chicken breasts, bread, Matbucha salad (tomato jam), and various packaging materials, which we purchase each week based on the number of orders.
Of course, we also cater to vegetarian and vegan soldiers and strive to accommodate individual requests whenever possible (which reduces the cost of the sandwiches).
We sincerely appeal to you to help us with a financial donation, whatever you can afford, to enable us to continue this important project.
Every Friday that we manage to operate is a true victory for the IDF soldiers, the State of Israel, and its unity.
You are more than welcome to join us for the upcoming Friday activity to experience firsthand the incredible experience that unfolds in our activity center in Nir Galim every week.
Together we will win,
Shishnitzel - Nir Galim Team.
