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Operation Northern Points was 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 met units about to enter Lebanon and
asked their help in delivering these much-needed supplies even further
northward to those on the front.
At times as many as three vans at a time 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 suffered 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 drove north partially empty.
Once in places such as Kiryat Shemona, particularly hard hit by the
rocket attacks, they spent 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 had to take shelter themselves and
listened 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.
With smiles and hugs, the volunteers explained what they have brought,
unloaded the supplies, spent some time with the boys and then, sadly, took
their leave, hoping they would 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 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!"
 During
the course of the Operation, the volunteers delivered
over 1,200 tubes of toothpaste, over 300 containers of mosquito
repellent, 800 cans of deodorant, 600 containers of shampoo, 1,750
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 were varied and often included 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. As Nachalat
Yehuda, with the kind assistance of the Moskowitz family, continues to
seek operations that express their ongoing commitment to Israeli society
and the army, the community is
asking for further assistance to expand its ongoing operations (such as Operation Northern Points).
If you'd like more information, or are willing to donate, please contact
leon@nachalatyehuda.com.
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