ZOA volunteers packing Mishloach Manot
ZOA volunteers packing Mishloach ManotCourtesy of ZOA

With the festive holiday of Purim coming up, organizations inside and outside of Israel are thinking of the soldiers of the IDF – and how to get into their hands “mishloach manot,” the special gifts of food that are traditionally given out on the holiday.

For Purim 2013, the Zionist Organization of America is teaming up with the World Mizrachi Organization, the Young Israel Movement, American Friends of Yisrael Hatzair and Gili's Goodies in order to maximize resources and ensure that they can bring Purim joy to the as many soldiers as possible.

"It gives me great joy to once again be involved in this project for the 13th year in a row", said Rubin Margules, president of ZOA Brooklyn Chapter and the moving force behing the effort.

Solly Sacks, Director-General of World Mizrachi, said that “it is a great privilege and honor to be able to distribute these packages to Israeli soldiers, who defend us 24 hours a day, and to bring a smile to their faces.”

This year, the Mishloach Manot will be packaged by overseas students who are learning in various yeshivot and seminaries in Israel for the year, enhancing their Israel experience, said Ceec Harrishburg, President of Young Israel in Israel. “The unique feature of our combined project is that we have many students, members and friends involved from around the world. Whether making kind financial contributions, packing or coming out to the bases to distribute – everyone lends a hand where they can,” Harrishburg said.

The packing of the parcels will take place on Monday and Tuesday, 11th & 12th of February, at Heichal Shlomo in Jerusalem, and will include a pre-Purim Masquerade party for Singles to complement the packing. Distribution will take place the following week amongst the Ships and Vessels at the Haifa Naval Base; the Michael Levin z"l Lone Soldier Center; and to bases in the Shomron.

“For the past fifteen years we have been able to bring Purim joy, goodies and smiles to our brave Chayalim. I encourage everyone to get involved in this effort,” said Meir Mishkoff, President, American Friends of Yisrael Hatza'ir.