Pizza and Israeli Independence

It is now a full year since PizzaIDF.org began delivering Pizza and Soda to
our active duty soldiers on behalf of Israel's supporters worldwide. Now
200,000 slices later as Israel celebrates 55 years of independence, we can
all rejoice knowing that this independence is maintained as a direct result
of the service these soldiers provide day and night to the Jewish people.

Here is an update since we first provided information to IMRA about our
project last year.

Numerous thank-you letters and certificates, in addition to many requests
from units to be included in our deliveries, attest to the popularity of
our food items. Distribution is not restricted geographically -- we reach
soldiers from the Golan in the north to Gaza in the south, around major
trouble spots like Shechem, Hevron and Ramallah., and numerous locations in
between.

As well as pizza, we regularly deliver burgers, soup (in the winter) and
ice cream (in the summer). For festive occasions we send Honey & Chocolates
for Rosh haShana, Chanuka Donuts, fruit for Tu b'Shvat, Purim Mishloach
Manot and "Kosher for Pesach" packages to replace Pizza and Burgers during
Passover.

These are accompanied by contributors' messages of gratitude and support .
. . and the response from the soldiers is one of overwhelming appreciation
-- after a stint of guard duty, returning from a long, arduous foot patrol,
back to base after enemy action or sitting in a tank on a cold, lonely
night. They appreciate the meals and they appreciate knowing that they have
supporters around the world.

As deliveries are coordinated with the army, they pose no security threat
-- on the contrary, they are welcomed and appreciated by officers and
soldiers alike.

During the Iraqi war, when we faced the threat of Scud attacks, Israel
hosted U.S. soldiers manning Patriot anti-missile batteries. In response to
many requests, we also delivered pizza to these troops.

Many contributors have taken advantage of gift certificates to dedicate a
delivery to relatives and friends, or celebrate special occasions. We have
been able to secure U.S. tax deductibility for larger contributions.

A gratifying aspect of our work has been the many children --
individuals, classes and social groups -- who have sent pizza to the
soldiers, usually accompanied by drawings and letters, much to the delight
of our troops.

The tourist slump and economic downturn of the last two years felt by most
in Israel, has had a great impact on the food industry. We are proud that
our project has provided much needed income to more than a dozen pizzerias
and restaurants. Rather than deal with multinational franchisees, we use
the local "ma and pa" businesses most adversely affected. Many have told us
that our orders are an important factor keeping them operational during
this difficult time.

Although lately our soldiers have featured less in the international media,
they are still on high alert in all areas. Reserve soldiers are being
called up all the time for active duty.

Independence does not come cheaply to Israel!

PizzaIDF continues its distribution on behalf of many, many wonderful
people around the world.

Regards,

Menachem
www.pizzaIDF.org