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Empowering IDF Soldiers & Displaced Families with Celiac

 

Make a Difference Today!

About Us

Welcome to Wheat-Free Warriors!

We are a dedicated team of volunteers, operating as a "war room" or chamal, focused on distributing vital gluten-free supplies to IDF soldiers and displaced families with celiac throughout Israel. Our journey began shortly after the tragic events of October 7, spurred by the evident challenges soldiers and displaced families faced in accessing gluten-free and celiac-safe food away from home.

Our team may be small, but we are mighty. Comprised of volunteer cooks, drivers, and coordinators, we swiftly respond to requests for celiac goods, collaborating to ensure each request is fulfilled and delivered promptly. Every week, just before Shabbat, our network of volunteer drivers spans the country, delivering personalized packages. These packages are carefully curated to include cooked meals, dried gluten-free foods, and homemade baked goods, all prepared with love by our dedicated volunteers.

From Humble Beginnings to a Nationwide Movement

It all started with Sarit, her family, and a tight-knit group of friends gathering at her specialty gluten-free store, Happy Gluty, to support IDF soldiers with celiac disease. As the war unfolded, neighbors joined in, bringing cooked meals, assisting with packaging, and lending a hand wherever needed. In those early days, the outpouring of support was overwhelming, but the need was growing rapidly.

With things becoming more organized, Shira took charge of soldier communication, while Avidan handled driver arrangements. Yet, as word spread, so did the demand, and the initial volunteers were stretched thin. Meanwhile, Sarit, also serving in the Chamal, had to balance her commitments.

Enter Chelsea, whose family had been volunteering alongside Sarit's during the war's early days. Recognizing the need for a more structured approach, Chelsea stepped in as operations manager, streamlining processes and calling for more help on social media.

Thanks to the incredible response, a network of volunteers emerged, each contributing their skills and time. We established regional coordinators, collection points, and specialized roles like soldier and delivery coordinators. Our international marketing and fundraising team rallied donors worldwide, providing vital funding for our growing operation.

As the landscape shifted, so did our approach. With changing soldier needs and volunteer availability, we adapted, securing funding to outsource tasks like cooking and driving when necessary. Today, our small but dedicated team, led by three primary regional coordinators, continues to make a significant impact, ensuring IDF soldiers and displaced families receive the support they need, one gluten-free package at a time.

Our Recent Projects

In the lead-up to Purim, we partnered with the amazing Yakar Synagogue in Tel Aviv to produce hundreds of gluten free hamentaschen for our soldiers! From the mixing, to the shaping, to the baking, each and every one was made with so much love and appreciation.  

Stuffed with chocolate and raspberry jam, the oznei haman cookies were packed into our mishlochei manot Purim packages and personally delivered around the country.

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During Passover, our team continued to deliver essential care packages to IDF soldiers stationed around the country. Despite the holiday's reputation for being celiac-friendly, the reality on base was challenging. 

 

We delivered multi-course meals, lovingly prepared by our Jerusalem volunteers, to our soldiers who were required to stay on base for the Seder, so that they could celebrate the holiday with dignity and joy. This was in addition to staple items, matzah holders, personalized notes to each soldier, and of course- some gluten-free matzah.

״ You guys were amazing. There are no words to describe it. There were days where I wouldn't have eaten a proper meal if it wasn't for you. And I wouldn't have had an insanely high stock of gluten-free food - everything from protein bars if I needed a quick boost of energy, to treats, to anything I could ask for.  It was amazing both practically and also just incredibly heart-warming ״

FAQs

Check out our frequently asked questions below for more information about our mission, how we operate, and how you can get involved. 

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Why can't the IDF or the Israeli government provide these meals to gluten-free / celiac soldiers or displaced families? Why must donations fund this project? 

While the IDF endeavours to meet various dietary needs, providing strictly gluten-free meals for soldiers and evacuated families poses logistical challenges.

Soldiers and displaced families with celiac do not have any access to celiac-safe food preparation environments while in temporary accommodation. 

Your donation plays a CRUCIAL ROLE in funding the project, enabling us to prepare and deliver specially - selected goods to those with celiac disease. 

How can I donate, and how do I know my money is going to the right place?

The donation process is easy and secure. Using the pages above 'Our Paypal' and 'Our Paybox', you can contribute to our efforts. After we receive your donation, you will receive a 'thank you' email from us to confirm the transaction, and show our gratitude for your kindness! 

We regularly create content on our social media to show our supporters exactly where their donation has gone - take a look! We pride ourselves on our transparency, so feel free to ask us for an update if you haven't heard much from us (it probably just means we are really busy!!) 

03

Why is this project necessary? Isn't a gluten-free diet a luxury lifestyle choice? 

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Apart from financial donations, how can I volunteer with you? 

Absolutely not! 

Our initiative addresses a critical need - for individuals with celiac disease, for whom to be gluten-free is not a choice, it is a medical necessity. 

Gluten can trigger severe health issues for celiacs and those with gluten-allergies. This can be life-threatening for soldiers who are operating in the field. 

Our project ensures that those who cannot eat gluten receive the support they need for their health and wellbeing .

Its about accessibility, inclusivity, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, receive the care they deserve. 

Thanks for asking ;) We're always looking for more volunteers to join our team! 

If you are flying to Israel soon, and have some room in your luggage, we would be incredibly grateful if you could bring over some dried gluten-free goods for us to distribute to our recipients! Gluten-free food is very $$$ over here, so items from overseas go much further! To get an idea of the items we are after, take a look at the Amazon wishlist by scrolling right to the top of the page, and clicking on the Amazon symbol. 

If you are in Israel, with access to a car and free time, consider joining our team as a driver or coordinator!

Meet the Team

WFW Alumni and Volunteers

We're forever grateful for the incredible contributions and lasting impact our volunteers have left on our journey. Whether past or current, their dedication and passion continue to inspire us every day. Thank you for helping shape the Wheat Free Warriors family!

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+972 54-212-4210

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THANKS FOR BEING HERE!

WE'D LOVE TO BE IN TOUCH!

תודה!

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