Slain Soldier Eliraz Peretz
Slain Soldier Eliraz PeretzIsrael news photo: Arutz Sheva

The Orthodox Union’s Meshiv Haruach project has begun a holiday gift program that will honor two fallen soldiers while bringing joy to hundreds of current soldiers.

The project is in memory of brothers Uriel and Eliraz Peretz. Uriel Peretz died in combat in Lebanon in 1998, one day before his 22nd birthday.

Eliraz died in combat in Gaza in 2010. He was survived by his wife and four children, and his mother and four siblings.

The OU will give out 1,000 gift packages to IDF soldiers in the Peretz brothers’ memory. The packages will include honey and other traditional holiday sweets.

In addition, dozens of food baskets worth 200 shekels will be distributed to needy soldiers.

Meshiv Haruach distributes gifts and food packages regularly prior to holidays, and during the year, donates pizza and falafel to soldiers standing guard around the country.

OU director Rabbi Avi Berman explained that the presents aim to show soldiers that someone is thinking about them, and recognizing their work on behalf of the nation.