I was handed an apron and started frying 1,000 pieces of schnitzel 

My husband, Moshe, and I were not in Israel on Oct. 7th or for the aftermath. We followed the news and saw the massive need for frontline soldiers, as well as the need for security for the moshavim (villages), kibbutzim, and cities around Gaza. 

After our arrival in Israel, we decided to travel south near Gaza and visit the site of the Nova Music Festival. This tranquil site has now turned into a memorial to the more than 350 people who were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists.  

Following our visit there, we continued north and came across this incredible place called “Shuva Achim.” Shuva Achim literally means “Return of the Brothers” and “Shuva” is also a reference to the Moshav where it is located.  

After Kobi Trabelsi, a resident of Moshav Shuva, was miraculously saved from the clutches of Hamas, he was mobilized to assist the unimaginable swarm of wounded people who flocked to the settlement’s intersection before they were flown by helicopters to the hospitals. At the same intersection, he was joined by his brothers Eliran, Dror and Ariel who left their families and all their day-to-day occupations and founded “Shuva Achim,” a refreshment point for the security and rescue forces on their way to the front. 

When we asked what we could do to volunteer, I was handed an apron and started frying 1,000 pieces of schnitzel in addition to helping with a slew of various tasks. Moshe took over as the “Minister of the drink” (a reference to the story of Joseph). He greeted soldiers and made sure they had a drink upon their arrival. Covered in dirt and sand, the soldiers so appreciated something cold and a warm invite to come, eat and rest. He also provided them coffee and cake and always stuffed their pockets with protein bars and other snacks before they left to go back to their bases. Moshe especially enjoyed meeting the “older” reserve soldiers and sharing their stories. No two Israelis meet without discussing their army service! 

Since that first day, we have gone to volunteer two to three times a week, traveling from our home in Netanya. In addition to volunteering at Shuva Achim, we have also served soldiers at bases. 

At Shuva Achim, fresh food and drink is provided every day, all day to hundreds of soldiers. Many evenings it is not unusual to see a quick game of backgammon or an impromptu concert. There are couches and tables, as well as guitars and books to enjoy. Soldiers may even run in and out because they need to put on tefillin before dark and can’t get back to their bases on time.  

Today, Shuva Achim is making 3,000 meals a day for soldiers as well as providing barbecue for soldiers in the field. In addition, there is a totally free “store,” providing everything from socks to hats, hygiene products, sleeping bags, snacks, towels, sheets, first aid products and more.  One of my favorite volunteer jobs is to organize the “machsan” (storage) and hand out the items to extremely grateful soldiers. One time, a commander of a unit of new recruits came and actually said that his soldiers all forgot towels! Often, the soldiers are expecting to be released but may be called back into action. Since they may not have a chance to go home to get more provisions, we are happy to provide them with anything they need. 

Each day, many tourists visiting the Gaza area come to see what is happening at Shuva Achim. Some will bring suitcases full of donated items, and many return to volunteer. Families come by and walk around handing out sweets as well as letters (from children both in Israel and other countries) to the brave soldiers. One emotional visit was with a mom and her three children who were returning to their home after being evacuated on Oct. 7. The mom explained that her children were so traumatized by what happened that she needed to show them the “soldiers” who were there to protect Israel against further attacks. The soldiers were so amazing. They spoke to the children and told them not to worry because they were there to protect them!  

The smiles on the soldiers’ faces and their appreciation are so satisfying. We have learned so much from these brave men and women. It makes us proud and grateful to be a small part of the effort to help our soldiers protecting Israel. 

For more information, visit my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/ShuvaAchim.