Shishnitzel Nir Galim
The "Shishinitzel - Nir Galim" initiative was established in the days following October 7th and has been operating regularly every Friday for over a year now. The initiative provides challah sandwiches with hot schnitzel, pastries, fruits, and other treats to approximately 5,000 soldiers across all combat zones – with an emphasis on soldiers currently inside Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, but also to divisions in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and bases surrounding the Gaza Strip.
Logistics of a Hug from the Home Front
Behind this operation stand approximately 150 volunteers – young people, adults, families, groups from schools and Yeshivas (religious seminaries), Birthright Israel groups, and even Christians arriving from the Diaspora – who dedicate nights and days with love.
The system opens every Monday for orders from unit logistics officers ("Rassapim") and liaison personnel, and on Thursday night, the frying of thousands of schnitzels begins. On Friday morning, the sandwiches are carefully packed and sent to assembly points, and from there, they enter the combat zones in convoys to reach the soldiers in the field.
The responses from the soldiers – through videos, photos, and messages – illustrate how much these gestures strengthen morale and remind them of the love from the home front.
Weekly Memorialization of Israel's Heroes
Each week, the activity is dedicated to commemorating a fallen IDF soldier or security forces member who fell in the battles of the war.
Bereaved families are hosted and share the story of their loved ones with the arriving volunteers. Thousands of soldiers receive the sandwiches with the fallen soldier's photo and story – creating a deep human connection between the memory of the fallen and the current fighting in the field.
The families speak of the profound impact of the experience, the calls they receive from the field – and the feeling that the memory of their loved ones continues to live on and make a difference.
Cost and Necessity
This activity is fully funded by donations, but in recent months, there has been a significant decrease in the pace of donations, jeopardizing the continuation of the operation.
The full weekly cost, including fresh, kosher ingredients that also cater to vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free needs, stands at approximately 25,000 ILS (about 7 ILS per schnitzel sandwich only).
To continue with the activity, we need your help!
There is an option for a one-time or regular monthly donation – and it is tax-deductible in many countries. Every contribution will help us continue to pamper our soldiers and comfort the families of the fallen.
To donate – click here
