We opened a “Warm Corner” in the Jewish community of Nokdim, a short drive from Jerusalem. A Warm Corner is a small rest station set aside at the entrance of a community within range of Israeli military patrols, which is stocked with food and drinks for the benefit of combat soldiers in the area.

At the end of an 8-hour or 12-hour patrol in the area, tired soldiers are able to come to this Warm Corner for a coffee, a snack, and a well-deserved break on a comfortable couch – all free of charge. The Warm Corner is open 24/7 so that soldiers can stop by at all hours of the day and night.

The Nokdim Warm Corner has been an amazing success, with dozens of soldiers stopping by to enjoy its hospitality every day! We have already begun building another one, as we hope to replicate this success in many more communities throughout Israel.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman (pictured) was the guest of honor at the grand opening of our Warm Corner rest station. He also attended the festive lighting of Hanukkah candles at the Warm Corner!

The Defense Minister praised the Warm Corner, saying, “I can testify that there are many soldiers who use the Warm Corner and enjoy every moment here!” We are honored to have the Defense Minister’s support in this venture.

Why a Warm Corner?

• To show support for the brave men and women defending vulnerable communities in remote areas of Israel. Residents of such communities have always opened their homes and hearts to these soldiers on an individual basis, but an organized Warm Corner greatly amplifies their desire to express their love for the young men and women defending them.

• Due to budget cuts, army bases in many areas of Israel have been closed down and the patrol routes of various units have been stretched thin. A community with a Warm Corner will draw soldiers to the area, giving residents a greater feeling of security.

• Soldiers provided with the food and beverages (especially coffee!) that a Warm Corner has to offer them will return to their patrol routes rested and refreshed. Whether its soup and a hot drink in the cold, rainy winter, or soda and ice cream in the scorching heat of the summer, soldiers in the area know that they can always stop by for a well-deserved break!

During an eight hour patrol, whether during the day in the hot sun or at night when we are often tired, there is nothing like a visit to the Warm Corner to recharge our batteries!

Nechemia, soldier in the Kfir Brigade

As important to us as the food and coffee is knowing that the people we protect recognize our efforts and appreciate us!

Ido, infantry soldier in the Nokdim area