The story of Grilling for Israel isn’t just about BBQ—it’s about people. The volunteers who answered the call after October 7th transformed our organization and made our massive scale-up possible.
The Call to Action
On October 8th, we put out an urgent call for volunteers. We needed people who could grill, organize, drive, serve, and support our expanded operations. We hoped for a few dozen responses.
We got hundreds.
Meet Our Volunteers
Chef Michael: The Professional Who Came Back
Michael left a successful restaurant career years ago, but when we needed experienced grillers, he didn’t hesitate. “I’ve cooked in high-end kitchens across Tel Aviv,” he told us, “but nothing has been more meaningful than grilling for soldiers.”
He now leads one of our main grilling teams, training new volunteers and ensuring quality remains high even at scale.
Sarah and David: The Retired Couple
Both in their 70s, Sarah and David signed up to help with logistics. “We’re too old to serve in the military,” David jokes, “but we’re not too old to support those who do.”
They coordinate supply pickups, manage inventory, and have become the heart of our operations team.
The Young Volunteers
University Students
Entire student groups volunteered together. Medical students, engineering students, liberal arts students—they all found ways to contribute:
- **Pre-med students** help with food safety and hygiene protocols
- **Business students** assist with logistics and planning
- **Communications students** document our work and manage social media
- **Everyone** helps grill, serve, and clean up
Gap Year Programs
Young people doing service years in Israel have become core members of our volunteer base. Their energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to work long hours have been incredible.
Specialized Skills
The Mashgiach Team
Maintaining kosher standards at our scale requires certified supervision. Volunteer mashgichim (kosher supervisors) donate their time to ensure every meal meets the highest standards.
Rabbi Cohen, who oversees our kosher operations, says: “This is a mitzvah in the truest sense—combining kashrut with acts of loving-kindness.”
The Logistics Crew
Retired military personnel, former supply chain managers, and operations specialists have built systems that allow us to:
- Coordinate dozens of events per week
- Manage multiple teams simultaneously
- Track inventory and ordering
- Optimize routes and timing
The Mental Health Support
Psychologists and social workers volunteer to support both our teams and the people we serve. They help volunteers process the emotional weight of this work and provide resources for soldiers and families who need additional support.
The Daily Heroes
Then there are the regular volunteers who show up week after week:
Morning shift volunteers arrive at 5 AM to start prep work.
Grill teams stand in heat, cold, and rain to ensure every piece of meat is perfectly cooked.
Serving line volunteers greet every person with a smile, no matter how tired they are.
Cleanup crews stay late to ensure everything is properly cleaned and stored.
Drivers navigate difficult roads and challenging conditions to get us where we need to be.
The Emotional Toll and Support
This work isn’t easy. Volunteers see the faces of young soldiers heading to dangerous missions. They meet families who’ve lost everything. They work long hours in difficult conditions.
We provide:
- Regular check-ins with volunteer coordinators
- Peer support groups
- Access to mental health professionals
- Regular appreciation events
Volunteer Testimonials
Rachel, age 28: “I needed to do something. I can’t serve in the military for medical reasons, but I can grill, and I can smile at soldiers who need both.”
Yoni, age 19: “My gap year was supposed to be about touring Israel. Instead, I’m helping feed Israel’s defenders. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Miriam, age 65: “My grandchildren are serving. When I help feed soldiers, I imagine someone doing the same for them.”
The Applications Keep Coming
We’re still receiving volunteer applications daily. People want to help, want to contribute, want to be part of something meaningful.
We’re constantly training new volunteers, expanding teams, and finding roles for everyone who wants to contribute—because every pair of hands makes it possible to serve one more meal.
How to Get Involved
If you’re reading this and want to volunteer:
- We need grillers of all skill levels
- Logistics and operations support
- Fundraising and outreach help
- Transportation and delivery volunteers
- Administrative support
No experience necessary—just a willing heart and available time.
The Real Heroes
At the end of every long day, when we’re cleaning up the grills and loading the trucks, someone inevitably says, “Thank you for organizing this.”
But we’re not the heroes. The volunteers who show up despite their own challenges, the soldiers defending the nation, the displaced families maintaining hope—they’re the heroes.
We’re just grateful to be the ones holding the spatulas.