The Pina Chama was robbed!

I can't put it more delicately than that.

I've written many times about the local Pina Chama (translation: warm corner) where volunteers serve free refreshments to IDF soldiers throughout the year.  Many of you have taken the hint without being asked and have donated a few bucks to help supplement the donated goods and services.

Well, over Yom Kippur, the Pina Chama was broken into and everything  - I mean EVERYTHING! - was stolen.   The freezers, microwaves, slush machine, hot water machine, cold drink dispenser, popcorn machine and stereo (I'm sure I've left a bunch of things out) were all taken.

When some volunteers showed up after the fast in order to serve refreshments to the soldiers, all they found was an empty building.  Literally everything had been cleaned out!

You have to know where the Pina Chama is located to understand how this happened.

The Pina Chama was set up at Tzomet HaGush (Gush Etzion Junction) during the height of the 2nd Intifada after two local residents were murdered by terrorists (in separate attacks) on the roads nearby. 

The location was selected because it is a centrally located crossroads where literally hundreds of soldiers pass every day on their way to and from various bases, posts and patrol areas.  Additionally, there is a large base nearby and an army checkpoint at the intersection itself. 

Every day (except religious holidays and shabbat) the Pina Chama has been open and staffed by volunteers from early morning until late in the evening.  All of the equipment is donated, and the cakes, cookies and other treats that are served throughout the year are all home-made by a small army of volunteers from the local towns and villages of Gush Etzion.

As usual, on Yom Kippur the Pina Chama was closed, but it was felt that the soldiers standing at the nearby checkpoint would be sufficient to discourage vandalism or theft inside the building over holidays.  However, due to a high security alert and warnings of possible attacks over Yom Kippur, the local army commander pulled all his soldiers from the intersection and stationed them closer to the various communities.

Obviously someone took note of this and used the opportunity to bring a truck and cart off pretty much everything that wasn't nailed down.

I rarely do this, but I am openly asking begging for donations to rebuild this valuable institution. 

The men and women of the IDF who directly benefit from the Pina Chama come from every corner of the country and from every possible religious and political background.  Pretty much the only things they share in common are a commitment to serving their country, and the fact that they find themselves far from their homes.

In the coming weeks the Pina Chama will be open for business... but will have to manage with ice chests, borrowed/rented equipment and the blind hope that more permanent resources will fall from the sky.

That's where you lot come in.

There is absolutely no donation too small.  $1 - $5 would be fantastic.  If you can do more... do what you can.  But this is a rare cause that crosses all partisan boundaries/considerations and every penny directly benefits the soldiers.

You can send a check to:

The Pina Chama
8/2 Rechov Haziporen
Efrat, 90435
ISRAEL

Or, if you want to donate on-line, you can simply click here:

This is such an easy thing to do... please spread the word and give what you can.  If all of the regular treppenwitz readers would just give what they normally spend on snacks/coffee in a typical day, we could put the Pina Chama back on its feet overnight!  Think about that!!!

I'll be setting up an honor roll for those who donate.  Obviously, let me know if you want to give anonymously.

In the mean time, here are some pictures I've taken over the years at the Pina Chama during the annual Yom Ha'atzmaut BBQ:

Why not start off the new year with a good deed?  Give what you can.