Tzomet Gilat Initiative
Tzomet Gilat Initiative
A Beacon of Unity and Support in Israel
At Tzomet Gilat, a key junction near Ofakim on the way to Gaza, an extraordinary initiative transformed a simple parking lot into a haven for soldiers heading to and from the frontlines. For nearly a year, this pop-up sanctuary was a lifeline for soldiers, powered by the collective goodwill of local communities, organizations, and countless volunteers. Today, a new support center has opened at Tzomet Shuva, yet the impact of Tzomet Gilat lingers—a true testament to the spirit of generosity, resilience, and unity within Israel.
The impressive setup at Tzomet Gilat was spearheaded by Alex Schatzopik, a 47-year-old father of two and construction contractor from Shoham. Alex, along with his team from "Tzevet La-Inyan," brought this initiative to life from the ground up. On the first day of the war, Alex withdrew 200,000 NIS from his personal account, recruited three friends, and together they purchased hundreds of kilograms of meat. They headed to Tze'elim to feed soldiers, and by day two, they had already served meals to 2,000 soldiers. As the demand grew, they moved operations to Tzomet Urim, where they managed to serve around 8,000 soldiers per day. Eventually, the project expanded into a small refreshment "city" at Tzomet Gilat, with the help of dozens of volunteers, turning the abstract concept of Ahavat Chinam (unconditional love) into something tangible and real—a place of sustenance, care, and smiles.
Initially, funding for this massive undertaking was entirely personal. Alex explains, “At first, it was purely self-funded. On that first day, I put in 200,000 NIS. We’re people from the industry, not the food sector, all low-tech. I don’t have Instagram or social media, so we didn’t solicit donations.” However, as word spread, others began donating, allowing the initiative to continue operating on a day-to-day basis. To streamline contributions, the team established a formal nonprofit organization so that supporters could donate in an organized manner.
The beauty of this junction and its’ strength came from a diverse gathering of people and groups who arrived of their own volition. Locals, some exceptional cooks in their own right, showed up daily to prepare food. Youth groups volunteered in large numbers, eager to help, and Jewish National Fund USA even sent several of its missions to contribute to the cause. What emerged was an incredible display of communal support, with people from all walks of life working side by side to give back to those in uniform.
Each day, the tent at Tzomet Gilat bustled with activity. Volunteers worked around the clock to serve an impressive 1,200 free burgers an hour, alongside an array of soft drinks and fresh coffee. Yet, food was just one part of the offerings. A complex of services grew around the tent—massages, free haircuts, and even a laundry station—recognizing that soldiers needed more than nourishment; they needed holistic support for both body and mind.
Tzomet Gilat was unlike any typical business initiative; there was no profit in it for those who showed up. It was a completely volunteer-driven effort, underscoring a deep-seated commitment to supporting Israel’s defenders without expectation of reward. At the Galilee Culinary Institute, our mission is to make the world a better place, and we wholeheartedly support businesses and initiatives that work towards this goal. The Tzomet Gilat initiative was not a “business” by conventional standards, yet its impact exemplifies the very best of what a community can achieve.
Though the Tzomet Gilat pop-up eventually concluded after nearly a year, the establishment of a similar initiative at Tzomet Shuva shows the enduring power of community-led support. The Tzomet Gilat story is a reminder of the strength that lies in unity and the boundless generosity that emerges when people come together to serve a common cause.
Images from YNET and photos by Alex Schatzopik: https://www.ynet.co.il/activism/article/sklevqcva