Israeli heroes in the kitchen
Israeli heroes in the kitchen
Israeli FoodTech, vegan food producers and private chefs have united to fuel frontline soldiers and evacuees with nutritious free from meals, including chocolate muffins made with JO-MO dairy- and sugar-free chocolate.
Following the devastating events of 7 October, a restaurant kitchen in the heart of Tel Aviv became one of many turned into a command centre dedicated to churning out meals to sustain the 400,000+ soldiers, reservists and support personnel mobilised to the front lines, as well as the half-million Israeli families forced to evacuate their homes.
Omer Tal, head chef and culinary consultant for Redefine Meat, orchestrated this mountainous task and brought together a collaborative of Israeli FoodTech startups, vegan food producers and 100s of volunteers and private chefs.
“Even while in a state of shock, trying to contain the horrific events that took place, it was clear to me that we would not be returning to any form of routine soon,” said Chef Tal.
“I felt a deep-seated need to contribute in a meaningful way.”
The morning after the attack, the chef called Dor Datner and Gilad Harpaz, co-owners of 12 Tel Aviv eateries, who spearheaded the project. A Facebook post also enticed an instant and overwhelming response, and within 12 hours, the kitchen on Tel Giborim Street - which coincidentally means ‘Hero’s Hill’ in Hebrew - was active. The facility had also been rigorously sanitised to strict vegan and kosher standards with approval from the Tel Aviv rabbinate.
Several FoodTech startups provided their plant-based innovations as raw materials. Redefine Meat, Green Butcher and More Foods donated plant-sourced meat alternatives; YoEgg! Foods provided its plant-based poached eggs, Israeli Tofu donated tofu used in various dishes; and Creative Pea offered its pea-based chicken and fish. Dairy alternatives came from Plenty 4u, Mama Q and Utopi E.y.m.
As an added treat, Ornat, the company behind JO-MO Chocolates and Panda Confections contributed dairy-free and sugar-free chocolates and Roy Chocolate provided pralines. The menu was devised by private chef Noam Carmon, owner of a renowned boutique catering company in Israel.
Following an intense week, the Tel Giborim Street kitchen has closed but the campaign continues to run in full force through a number of smaller private kitchens and restaurants.
“We will continue providing raw materials for 50 meals a day for our soldiers,” said Chef Tal.
“The other companies and volunteers have pledged to continue their part until the end of the war. Moreover, some of the kits are also being earmarked for evacuated families and the survivors in hospitals … including Arab Israelis and those from the Bedouin community. Our meals were sent to everyone in need, regardless of their race or religion.”
He added, “In the midst of the suffering, sadness, anxiety and pain that continues to affect us, the Israeli community has rallied together to support and strengthen one another.
“Among the volunteers were those just returned from the funeral of a beloved relative, while others were young survivors of the Nova peace festival. For them, volunteering served as a form of initial compensation for trauma, offering precious moments to breathe and connect back to life. For many, this project has provided a glimmer of light in these dark and challenging times.”