Shabbat (Sabbath) begins this evening at sundown. As I write, our Mercy Chefs team is delivering our first chef-prepared meals -- the traditional Shabbat meal -- to families who are still living in one of the towns right along the border of Gaza. These families are staying in their homes despite what happened last weekend and the ongoing danger as this war escalates.

Today's Shabbat meal has enormous significance because the last time the people of Israel shared the Shabbat meal was on the very eve of the horrific terror attacks last Saturday morning. 

In the coming days, our team will prepare thousands of hot meals and distribute thousands more Grocery Boxes to help evacuees and those in border towns who need help. 

And every meal we serve depends on the generosity of friends like you.

{{recipient.first_name_or_friend}}, can you help us provide thousands of meals through this weekend as we ramp up to meet the need?

It costs about $70 to provide 20 hot meals for families in Israel. Please consider sponsoring 30 meals ($105) or even 50 ($175) or 100 ($350). Several friends have even donated $1,000 or more. Of course, EVERY GIFT WILL HELP. Go here to help Mercy Chefs rush relief to war victims in Israel:

Finally, please PRAY -- especially over the next 24 hours. Tensions have risen even further across the Holy Land as protests against Israel are taking place around the world in response to Hamas' call for a "Day Of Rage." Plus, Hamas timed the attacks last weekend to coincide with Shabbat.

Also, pray for our staff who are serving selflessly in the midst of this war zone to prepare meals and organize relief efforts.

Thank you for your prayers and for your partnership in helping to provide meals and vital resources to the people of Israel.

Thanks and God bless,

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

P.S. It is a tremendous honor to serve the people of Israel during one of the most important moments in the history of this nation. Please help as you can. Go here: