With the holiday of Purim quickly approaching, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is, once again, planning to distribute thousands of "mishloach manot" portions to the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.
For Purim 2013, the ZOA is teaming up with the World Mizrachi Organization, the International Young Israel Movement (IYIM), American Friends of Yisrael Hatzair and Gillies 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 satisfaction to once again be leading this project for the 13th year in a row", said Rubin Margules, president of ZOA Brooklyn Region, who is spearheading the effort.
Solly Sacks, Director-General of World Mizrachi, added 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 goods will take place on Monday and Tuesday, 11th and 12th of February, at Heichal Shlomo in Jerusalem, and will include a pre-Purim singles' masquerade party. Distribution will take place the following week at the Haifa Naval Base and at IDF bases across the Shomron.
"For the past fifteen years we have been able to bring Purim joy, goodies and smiles to our brave chayalim [soldiers]. I encourage everyone to get involved in this effort," said Meir Mishkoff, President, American Friends of Yisrael Hatza'ir.
Literally meaning the "sending of portions,” mishlochei manot ("mishloach manot" in the singular) are gifts of food that Jews send to each other during the holiday of Purim, in order to ensure that everyone has enough food to enjoy the traditional Purim feast.
In order to fulfill the mitzvah one must send at least two different items of food to one person, which will mandate the recitation of two different blessings over food.
To participate by purchasing an $18 gift package, click here.