28 | NOVEMBER 9 • 2023 J
N

OUR COMMUNITY

S

ince the war with Israel and Hamas 
began on Oct. 7, nothing has been 
the same in Israel. 
More than 360,000 reserve soldiers 
were called up to protect Israel in every 
way possible. Soldiers left 
their families, jobs and 
personal lives to serve their 
country. There are soldiers 
based in cities throughout 
the country, instilling safety 
and providing protection, if 
needed, to its citizens. It has 
been almost four weeks, and 
these soldiers have rarely left their bases. 
I grew up in West Bloomfield, but 
I now live in Israel. Right now, Jews 
around the world are feeling rather help-
less. We all want to do something. And 
here in Israel, we are finding ways to 
help. 
Knowing that freshly cooked meals are 
not common in the military, my friend 
Corey Rosen, who lives in Detroit but 
was visiting Israel, and I decided to raise 
money to give the soldiers a hot meal 
and remind them that the Detroit Jewish 
community stands with Israel. 
I reached out to Keter Torah 
Synagogue, and Corey Rosen reached 
out to the Woodward Avenue Shul, and 
together we raised $1,400 in a matter 
of days! The community truly came 
through, and we were able to plan this 
special dinner. 
The soldier helping to coordinate the 
dinner had a friend who wanted to help, 
and he offered to make the falafel for 
free. All of this was going to be a huge 
surprise to the soldiers because most 
nights the soldiers make a simple sand-
wich and leave the dining hall. 
When we came to the base to help set 
up, more than 120 soldiers were sitting 
side by side singing songs and chatting. 

Once they heard it was a falafel dinner 
sponsored by two synagogues from 
the U.S., there were cheers for Detroit, 
America and all-around excitement. 
Before dinner, one of the army com-
manders spoke to the soldiers about who 
donated the dinner and reminded them 
that they were not alone in this war. Jews 
cared about them around the world. 
I could see their faces light up, there 
was so much gratitude for this meal. 
Then, the rabbi of the base spoke. He lit 
two candles and told us that night was 
the memorial of our matriarch Rachel. 
Rachel always davened for her children 
in times of need.
He said that we need to keep our hope 
(tikvah) and that, in her merit, may our 
prayers be answered. 
As we were leaving, a soldier came to 
thank us, and as we spoke about the war, 
he said that everyone feels so helpless. 
Even these soldiers think they should be 
doing more. This was shocking to hear, 
because so many of us non-soldiers feel 
the same way. 
I reminded him that what he is doing 
is making a difference here and now, and 
that we are all safer because of him and 
every single soldier on the base. 
Even though times are heavy right 
now, there is strength and unity in our 
Jewish communities. Every donation, 
prayer and act of kindness is a reminder 
that we are not alone and that we will get 
through this together. This is the spirit 
of the Jewish people. 
I am grateful to my Detroit Jewish com-
munity for their support. Todah Rabah, 
Detroit! — “Thank You, Detroit!” — from 
120+ Israeli soldiers. Am Yisroel Chai. 

Orly Benaderet Rocklin resides in Rehovot, Israel, 

with her spouse and two children.

Metro Detroit synagogues provide a 
hot meal to those serving.

Falafel Dinner Brings 
Joy to IDF Soldiers

Orly Rocklin 
Special to the 
Jewish News

