Couple supports troops with Operation Pizza

On the very first day, they filled a whole army truck with 1,000 pizzas and delivered them to approximately 3,500 soldiers.

By JACLYN GROSS
Whole pizza 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Whole pizza 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
In Israel in wartime, there are always people with good intentions and a strong support system who will strengthen morale by providing necessities to those in need. An immigrant couple, Gadaliah and Elisheva Blum, have taken it upon themselves – along with the support of large organizations and people around the globe – to help soldiers by organizing the delivery of pizzas and various necessities, such as socks and underwear.
“I saw how important it was for the guys to see the civilians, and to be able to deliver the food, and tell them that the money for the pizza was from people all over the world,” said Gadaliah.
The campaign started from a simple website with the goal of 300 pies delivered by hand. But on the very first day, they filled a whole army truck with 1,000 pizzas and delivered them to approximately 3,500 soldiers.
The couple managed to raise some $50,000 in only 10 days since Operation Protective Edge began.
“I was able to explain to people that it was not just pizza, but it’s more,” said Gadaliah. “These soldiers are cut off from the world and [it’s important] for them to know that there are people coming into their world at this point and showing their appreciation when otherwise they might feel alone.”
The Blums are constantly answering phone calls from commanders and units with requests, along with organizations from around the world that are willing to donate and help in whatever way possible.
Gadaliah and Elisheva’s campaign has been growing rapidly since the first day. Their original goal of 1,000 pizzas has expanded to 3,000, with the intention of feeding some 12,000 troops or, as Gadaliah said, getting “straight to the hearts of these boys and girls through their bellies.”
The Blums have two websites, to visit or donate: www.dkatom.co.il/pizza and www.dkatom.co.il/under.