It appears that tour operators and organizations representing IDF units have been working to arrange special events between tourists and IDF personnel, events that will benefit the military. If you are visiting Israel and you want to have a barbeque with pilots, or visit and air force base perhaps and have lunch with infantrymen, you may be able to make arrangements in advance if you are willing to pay the cost.

Maariv reports such events have already taken place, costing thousands of dollars which go to benefit IDF units. While some opponents feel the concept is an unwelcome one, one which turns the military into “schnorrers”, the fact remains such events are an attraction and a considerable amount of money can be raised for the cause.

Opponents explain in one case, soldiers were instructed to sing and dance with visitors, who were paying handsomely for the photo op, and they feel such activities degrade soldiers and in the long run, it diminishes morale among soldiers.

Chabad rov Rabbi Menachem Ofin Runs Ohr L’Chayal, running these events. His non-profit invites those willing to pay to come and meet with soldiers, to “meet the brave ones face to face”. Ofin says the organization’s activities are not connected to Chabad, but Maariv says otherwise, explaining it checked and Ofin’s activities are indeed connected to Chabad’s international network of shluchim.

Maariv reports some of the costs for visits as follows:

· For the privilege of feeding 70 soldiers, $2,500

· A meal for 150 soldiers, $4,000

· A meal for 500 soldiers, $,7500

The cost includes the entire evening event surrounding the visit, and one wishing to feed an elite unit may, but this of course is more costly.

Ohr L’Chayal responds: Am Yisrael and the Jewish People around the world love and admire the soldiers and they are happy to have such an opportunity, an evening to raise their spirits and show their gratitude. We have been doing this for years with great success and we are accepted by the fighters with open arms. This is the case with the soldiers their officers and the generals of the IDF.

The organization adds all expenses are covered by the visitors, not the military and it is a win/win for all concerned.

Rav Ofin explains that on Purim 13 years ago, as he was bringing misloach manos to soldiers in the Hebron area he was injured in a terror attack and after recuperating, this has become his life’s work, which operates in coordination with the IDF, LIBI and other organizations.

LIBI confirms working with the rav, but Maariv adds it has documented cases in which businesses operating strictly for profit are involved too, mentioning the Vered HaSharon Agency which advertises such get-togethers with soldiers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)