Expat community in Kiryat Gat rally to support IDF troops
800 Shabbat meals, rain tents for soldiers, 1000 vests and pizza for 200 lone soldiers. 'Coming together to ensure the State of Israel’s survival on an unprecedented scale', says father of three and Edgware expat Ariel Shapiro
Together with his wife and 2 kids (they now have 3), Ariel Shapiro made aliyah from Edgware 5 years ago, in August 2018. They initially moved to Ramat Beit Shemesh before setting in Kiryat Gat in August 2021.
Almost 180 families from the UK, US, South Africa, Australia and Israel now live in a suburb of the southern Israel town called Carmei Gat. It’s currently just outside of the IDF’s declared military zone and a 35-minute train ride from Tel Aviv.
Speaking exclusively to Jewish News on the British expat community’s resolute determination to support the IDF soldiers battling Hamas terrorists, he says:
“Life in Israel is never easy but the last week has been one of the toughest in recent history. Reserve soldiers were called up at a moment’s notice following Hamas’ horrific and barbaric terror attack in southern Israel, many leaving vital items at home. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has rarely worked at the capacity it is now and as such, lacks the resources to ensure that those on the front lines have everything they need for a prolonged period of time.”
He says that with communities across the country aware of the situation, many stepped up to provide essential equipment and supplies to those keeping Israeli citizens safe on the front lines.
A group of dedicated volunteers organised, sponsored or packed 800 Shabbat meals, more than 50 meals and flowers for the elderly and local women whose husbands are away on army duty. Additionally they have sent 5000 Shekels worth of rain tents to soldiers in the north, 30 boxes of high tech and tactical equipment to bases near Lebanon, 60 boxes of protein bars to Hermon, sourced equipment for five bases including 1000 vests and 5000 G-shock watches, and provided 200 ‘Lone Soldiers’ in the north with pizza.
Shapiro says: “All of these initiatives have been made possible through a community member who used her Instagram platform to fundraise, funds raised by Kii NYC, and from generous donations through the community’s Michael Levin Base fundraising link which has seen more than 50 donations from supporters based in the USA, UK, Canada, Israel and Hong Kong.
“Israel’s communities and Jews worldwide are coming together to ensure the State of Israel’s survival on an unprecedented scale. If you would like to contribute to future initiatives to help those keeping Israel safe, you can do so here.
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