On Monday morning, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) was privileged to have an assembly regarding an incredible program, Kosher Troops. This organization, co-founded by MTA parent Mrs. Hamburger, collects food items from different Kosher companies, packs them and then sends them to Jewish American soldiers serving across the globe in areas where Kosher food, and especially Kosher for Passover food, is not readily available. Such places mentioned during the assembly include Kuwait, Djibouti, and Iraq.

We first saw a 5-minute video which summarized what Kosher Troops does, and included some accounts of its assistance from soldiers who have benefited from the organization. Afterwards, Mrs. Hamburger spoke to us, describing how important it is for these soldiers who otherwise would have no way to get food for Pesach, or even have a seder. Then, we heard from two soldiers, including Rabbi Captain Ephraim Travis, who told stories of how Kosher Troops allowed them to actually celebrate Pesach, among other holidays, and not just circle it off as another date on the calendar.

By Akiva Poppers