When we founded Grilling for Israel in 2020, we had a simple vision: use the power of BBQ to lift the spirits of those defending our homeland. We never imagined we’d one day be serving over 234,000 meals to IDF soldiers and displaced families across Israel.
The Turning Point: October 7th, 2023
Everything changed on October 7th. As the nation mobilized, we knew we had to scale our operations immediately. What started as occasional BBQ events at military bases transformed into a full-scale operation serving over 1,000 meals per day.
Our team of volunteers worked around the clock, setting up grills at military bases, community centers, and evacuation sites. The need was overwhelming, but so was the response from our community.
More Than Just Food
These aren’t just meals—they’re moments of normalcy in chaotic times. A hot, fresh BBQ plate served with a smile reminds soldiers and families that they’re not alone. It’s a taste of home, a moment of comfort, and a reminder that their community stands behind them.
What We Serve:
- Freshly grilled chicken, beef, and lamb
- Traditional Israeli salads and sides
- Warm pita bread
- All meals are glatt kosher certified
The Scale of Our Operation
To serve 234,000 meals, we’ve had to build robust systems:
Logistics: Coordinating with military bases and community centers across Israel to schedule on-location BBQ events.
Supply Chain: Sourcing high-quality, kosher ingredients at scale while maintaining our standards.
Volunteers: Recruiting, training, and coordinating hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and skills.
Safety: Ensuring our teams can operate safely even in challenging security situations.
Our 501(c)(3) Status
As a registered non-profit in both the United States and Israel (with our Certificate of Good Standing), we’re committed to transparency and accountability. Every donation goes directly to funding meals, equipment, and operations.
Your support allows us to:
- Purchase fresh, high-quality kosher ingredients
- Maintain and expand our grilling equipment
- Cover transportation costs to reach remote bases
- Support our volunteer coordinators
Looking Forward
The need hasn’t diminished. Soldiers continue to serve on multiple fronts, and displaced families are still waiting to return home. We’re committed to continuing our mission for as long as we’re needed.
Our goal for the coming months is to reach even more locations, serve more families, and continue providing the comfort and morale boost that a hot meal can bring.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this mission. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every shared post helps us serve one more meal to someone who needs it.