(haipo) - One year and three months have passed since the outbreak of the war, the fronts are expanding and the soldiers are still stationed in the south and the north. While the voluntary activity of many waned, two women from Haifa - Flora Cohen and Naomi Nimri - work tirelessly to contribute, each in their own unique way, and invest their best energy in strengthening the spirits of the soldiers and supporting their needs.
The kitchen became a civilian utility room
With the outbreak of the war, Flora Cohen, a resident of Haifa, who 15 years ago founded the charitable organization "Hearted Warm Volunteers with Love", decided to expand her activities and help the soldiers on the front lines. The factory, located in the west of Haifa, helps needy families by distributing food packages every week. Following the security situation, Flora decided to allocate donations that include cooking, hot food and treats to the fighting soldiers. In her kitchen, every week, she prepares hot dishes and desserts, which she passes to the soldiers serving in the combat units.
"It started with an immediate need to support and pamper the soldiers, and I haven't stopped since," says Flora. She makes sure to shop, cook and bake, and at the same time collects donations from private individuals and the city community - be it dry groceries, ready meals or hygiene equipment.
"Aunt Flora" and volunteering for the soldiers
In the volunteer enterprise established by Flora, everything started with a simple need that came up - to cook 100 hot meals for Alexandroni soldiers. "In the beginning, people just donated groceries and didn't cook," she says in a conversation with Lai Fe, "but little by little I recruited volunteers, and over time people started participating in the cooking as well. Today, the dishes are divided between three, five, and sometimes more cooks."
The volunteers come from all over the region - Haifa, Tirat Carmel and the Kiryat - and even Anna, a volunteer who does not speak Hebrew, participates in the activity every week. Vladimir, one of the most dedicated volunteers, has been transporting the dishes since day one. He travels to the north every Friday and sometimes even more than that, depending on the need. This is also an opportunity to thank all the amazing volunteers who from the first day accompany us in doing and without their volunteering I could not continue and huge thanks also to all the donors who continue to contribute despite the difficult economic situation in the country. Appreciates and cherishes the work of everyone and the list is so long."
Cooks with the heart and strengthens the soldiers
The soldiers call her "Aunt Flora," and she, for her part, sees them as her children and believes that they are 'our children'. "I feel great satisfaction in helping and strengthening them," she says. "Our citizens are also getting involved, and the municipality of Haifa is also to be commended - they allocated us a building near my house, where we store the groceries and cooked food in refrigerators." The volunteers work together on Thursdays to cook and store in the refrigerators, and the work reaches its peak even on holidays. In Sukkot, for example, they prepared 600 mini baguettes with schnitzels and soups. Along with the food, they also provide the soldiers with medicines, ointments and uniforms, reflecting the strength and compassion of the entire community.
Wholehearted commitment to the soldiers
Flora emphasizes that alongside the extensive work, there is a continuous shortage of essential products, such as hot dishes, melt in a glass, dates, nuts, almonds, energy bars, coffee, sugar and sweets. "We purchase products that are suitable for celiac patients, as well as for those who are not, and of course kosher - and if possible, with BDT, to suit all populations," she says. In addition, basic hygiene products are also missing. "We try to make it as easy as possible for the soldiers, But we need help," she says.
Flora dreams of recruiting donors for occasional "on the fire" evenings, which will allow the soldiers to enjoy a good meal and quality protein. "Even if not everyone can come, it's important to pamper them and show them that we appreciate them and what they do for us."
"This is our duty, as citizens"
For Flora, the effort for the soldiers is not just giving - but a real mission. "I felt an obligation to the soldiers, this is our duty, as citizens - they save our lives and this is the least we can do for them," she says excitedly. The videos that come from the soldiers, in which they thank you wholeheartedly, fill her with energy to continue. "Everyone can contribute in their own way, according to their ability, and together we show the soldiers that they are not alone."
Knits warmth and love
Naomi Nemari, also a resident of Haifa, renewed her knitting project when the weather started to cool down. It all started last year, when she made a hat and neck warmer for her grandson, who serves in the Givat patrol. "My grandson said that his friends liked knitting, and since then I decided to knit for them too. From there it continued to more and more soldiers," she shares. During the last year, Naomi managed to recruit more companies that joined her in knitting, "Romma Knits" also joined the project called "The Project of the Century". Together they knitted hundreds of hats and neck warmers in khaki, olive green and black. The main difficulty, according to her, is a lack of suitable wool.
"I look for wool wherever possible, and in cooperation with Flora, we make sure that the items reach the soldiers directly. I hope that more women will join the project, it could also be a lovely project for old people's homes," she adds.
How can we help?
The actions of Flora and Naomi are a living example of a contributing and active citizenship that, in practice, strengthens social resilience. Flora invites everyone who wants to join and contribute - whether through cooking, desserts, or anything else that will make the soldiers happy. "Every small action can warm many hearts," the two conclude.
Do you want too?
Anyone interested in donating, in food or wool, or joining the activity - is invited to contact Naomi at the attached email: [email protected]
Or contact Flora Cohen by phone: 054-398-2577
Well done to you. Good night and blessed to all.