These baskets of "mishloach manot" are traditional gifts given during the Jewish holiday of Purim. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Several Jewish organizations are joining forces to send Israeli soldiers gifts of food and other items in time for Purim 2013. “Mishloach manot,” as these gift bags are known in Hebrew, are traditional for the holiday commemorating the rescue of Jews from death and destruction in an ancient Persian empire under King Ahasuerus.

The Zionist Organization of America, the World Mizrachi Organization, the Young Israel Movement, American Friends of Yisrael Hatzair and Gillies Goodies are teaming up for the cause to benefit the Israel Defense Forces. This year Jewish yeshiva students from around the world studying in Israel will pack the gift bags

“It is a great privilege and honor to be able to distribute these packages to Israeli soldiers, who defend us 24 hours a day, and to bring a smile to their faces,” said Solly Sacks, Director-General of World Mizrachi, Israel National News reported.

The students packed the gifts Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 11 and 12, at the Heichal Shlomo building in Jerusalem. The gifts are being distributed before the holiday to lone soldiers, soldiers at the Haifa Naval Base, and bases in Judea and Samaria.