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Basma Hino and her family are members of Israel’s Druze community, an ethnic minority with a unique religious practice and a rich history of serving proudly in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In 2015, Basma’s husband, Marcel, died after being in a coma following a serious injury while serving in the IDF.
A rare combination of strength, grit, and perseverance has allowed her to become a successful restauranteur in her village. Since the beginning of the war with Hamas, Basma has utilized her skills, her business, and her connections as a member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s small business association to brighten the lives of those serving on the front lines for Israel.
Originally, Basma decided that she wanted to help feed her late husband’s army unit during the war. She began cooking meals for them and other IDF soldiers, including her son, Noor, out of her restaurant.
“From there, it grew,” she said. “The soldiers want hot food, and commanders from different units called me to ask if I can also send their units food.”
Since then, Basma and her friends have cooked, packed, and distributed more than 400 meals each week to different units. Jewish National Fund-USA has connected Basma to other local business owners who have assisted in expanding the effort.
Not content to stop there, Basma acquired kosher certification for her restaurant to ensure as many soldiers as possible could enjoy her cooking.
While the war has turned daily life upside down—Basma’s restaurant has been closed since October 7—Basma has found much-needed distraction in pampering young soldiers.
“There is a huge demand, and it gives me great satisfaction personally—this is my way of contributing and doing my part during this difficult time,” Basma shared. “I know that the food will give the soldiers a sense of home, even for a moment.”
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