Operation Northern Points

By Paula R. Stern
July, 2006

During the last month, as Israel has found itself fighting on two fronts and struggling to meet the needs of over 400,000 refugees who have fled the north and constant katyusha rocket attacks, some brave volunteers and a generous donation has resulted in the creation of a flow of support and care packages for thousands of soldiers who were urgently called to defend Israel’s northern communities.

The plan, called Operation Northern Points, is a joint effort of the Moskowitz family of Miami Beach, Florida and a team of dedicated individuals who drive north with vans packed with basic essentials. Risking much, these volunteers meet units about to enter Lebanon and ask their help in delivering these much-needed supplies even further northward to those on the front.

Not even letting a fast day stop the volunteers, at times as many as three vans have made the long and arduous trip to the very northern-most points of the Israeli-Lebanese border to meet with the soldiers just about go into battle.

To help the citizens in the north, who suffer not only from the incessant katyusha attacks, but also the enormous financial burden of having lost the crucial summer tourist season, some of the vans drive north partially empty. Once in places such as Kiryat Shemona, particularly hard hit by the rocket attacks, they spend thousands of dollars packing the vans to their limit with much appreciated personal hygiene products, snacks, and basics such as flashlights, batteries, soaps and toothpaste.

Many times the volunteers have had to take shelter themselves and listen to the air raid sirens. At one point, over 25 katyusha rockets rained down around them while they took shelter in a mall in Kiryat Shemona. Only after the incoming rocket attacks finished were they able to continue their important task and drive further north, beyond the last civilian, to achieve their goal of reaching the soldiers most in need of the supplies they carry. Many of the soldiers were called to the front with little time to prepare and some thought they would only be gone a few days. In all cases, these essential supplies go a long way in helping make them more comfortable while they focus on their critical goals.

With smiles and hugs, the volunteers explain what they have brought, unload the supplies, spend some time with the boys and then, sadly, take their leave, hoping they will return soon and find the soldiers healthy and safe.

One of the volunteers, Gedalyah Meyers, said “It is becoming more dangerous to travel each day, yet we keep getting more volunteer drivers because we all know how important this operation is.“

Uriel Fisch of Maaleh Adumim, who has traveled several times, spoke of the need to expand the operation, “The soldiers are so happy to see us, to thank us for what we have brought to them and to know that there are so many people, here in Israel and abroad who are worrying about them and what they need. Keep the money coming. We guarantee we will spend it quickly!”

To date, having made almost daily trips, the volunteers have delivered over 1,200 tubes of toothpaste, over 200 containers of mosquito repellent, 700 cans of deodorant, 540 containers of shampoo, 1,500 packages of moistened disposal wipes, and more than 1,000 packages of Q-tips. Especially appreciated were over 2,500 pairs of underwear, 3,300 pairs of socks, 1,400 undershirts, and even 85 decks of playing cards. The items in each van are varied and often include much-loved snacks, cans of soda and fresh bread and more than 2,500 packages of potato chips.

Operation Northern Points was made possible by the initial donation of the Irving Moskowitz family who wrote that, “Our hearts and souls are with you” and looked to find a way to help the soldiers who daily risk their lives to defend Israel. Joining with Nachalat Yehuda of Maaleh Adumim was a natural and logical step in making this plan a reality. Nachalat Yehuda, founded in 1996, is a community that focuses on its youth with many serving at this time in the army.

Most gratifying was the response “in the field.” After thanking the various teams for risking so much to deliver the snacks and personal items that they had requested on previous trips, the soldiers often talk about the missions they have gone on and, if possible, other items they still could use up there. As Nachalat Yehuda, with the kind assistance of the Moskowitz family, continues to gather supplies and organize teams to go to the front, the community is asking for further assistance to expand Operation Northern Points. If you'd like more information, or are willing to donate, please contact .

For more information on Nachalat Yehuda, click here.