About Genesis Foods
Like every relationship and every business, we have a story. The genesis of Genesis Foods was nothing less than a directive from God. Fortunately, people listened to the message and we are blessed to be here today to share the message with you.
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During the Second Lebanon War in the summer of 2006, Shep Alster, a successful business man, part time resident of Israel and the founder of Genesis Foods, was in northern Israel helping bring diapers, food and water to the residents there who were hiding in underground bomb shelters. Being below ground for any period of time is very stressful, especially with limited air, privacy, space for children to play and many other severe restrictions. The greatest need was to be safe and above ground at the same time.
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From this experience came the idea of an above ground, transportable bomb shelter, which people could run to when the Code Red signal warned of incoming missiles. As strange as it may seem for most of us reading this, in many parts of Israel this condition is still a part of daily life, especially in communities bordering the Gaza Strip in the south and Lebanon in the north. We don’t hear much about it on the US news because it’s not news any more when it’s a regular occurrence.
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Shep returned to the US shortly after the war, formed a non-profit organization called Operation Lifeshield and began raising money to build, transport and install these new shelters at schools, senior centers, playgrounds and hospitals in the most vulnerable areas. He was quickly joined by friends, neighbors, rabbis, pastors, and congregations in Israel, North America and Europe. The partnership between churches and synagogues, Christians & Jews has been heartwarming and inspirational. The love of Zion is what brings people together.
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55 Lifeshield shelters have already been placed with more on the way. Children, teens, adults and seniors have been protected both physically and psychologically, having access to shelter when the siren sounds, moving toward have a more normal life. These shelters have been designed in cooperation with the IDF – Israeli Defense Force Home Front Command.
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The relationships that Shep formed with leaders of many Christian Zionist churches and organizations were the conduit for the message for Genesis Foods. How else, they asked, can we bless and support Israel? How can we help lovers of Zion to be more connected with the Holy Land? What can we bring to people around the world that will bless them while they bless Israel? This is how Genesis Foods was born.
There are so many places in the Bible where we are directed to enjoy the fruit of the land. Until recently, most producers of Israeli food and beverage products were geared to market primarily to Jews living outside of Israel. While Christians were not restricted from making purchases, there was no focus on providing Israeli food products specifically for Christians.
Genesis Foods is proud to offer many unique products, including our own Holy Land Fruit Cake, with all ingredients grown, harvested and then baked in Israel. As you look through our web store, remember this is not just food, it’s food from Israel, and it’s here for you to enjoy in your daily life and to share as gifts. "Then their father Israel said to them...do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bag and take them down to the man as a gift..." Genesis 43:11
Together we can help bring peace to the world; we can help bring jobs and hope to Israeli citizens and we can fulfill the Biblical prophecy “In the days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will blossom and sprout, And they will fill the whole world with fruit.” Isaiah 27:6.
Thank you for joining the Genesis Foods family. We look forward to bringing you fresh, tasty, delicious products that will help you bless and stay connected to Zion. “And I will bless them that bless you, … and in you shall all families of the earth will be blessed.” Genesis 12:3