Food is the way to people’s hearts, and arms.

In case you didn’t think it was possible, indeed we have found this week that at any, and we mean any point, Israeli food can teach us about what’s going on in this country. Case in point - getting Israelis to get their covid vaccination. The world has had its eyes on Israel’s great success in inoculating millions of residents in a very short time span.

As someone who has had the pleasure of receiving the coronavirus vaccine, I can personally attest that the convenience, ease and speed of the process was absolutely a view of Israel in its finest hour. Whether the government was motivated by political or financial reasons, makes little difference to citizens like myself who are happy to go with the stats and who can now dream of the days when the pandemic did not rule our existence.

And here is where a significant portion of the Israeli population may differ. Some in apathy, some in distrust, some for their own political or health reasons, are choosing not to get the government-sponsored jab. Then there is everyone else - the ones who just haven’t done it.

The government will be introducing different measures to encourage its citizens to get vaccinated, including the “green passport”. Holders of the green passport will permit vaccinated (and recovered COVID patients) to travel without quarantine, to go to gyms, hotels, and surely many other benefits that will come along soon enough.

For some, the threat of not being permitted in the gym isn’t yet convincing enough. Enter food as a way to encourage those who for whatever reason just didn’t get around to it. I saw a few pictures of friends with their free coffee (nice!) after their vaccination, but these past two weeks the stakes are getting higher. Free pizza! Hummus! Knafeh! Oh my! This is basically starting to sound like a food tour through Israel. And my absolute favorite (for many reasons) was learning that B’nei Brak - a town of ultra-Orthodox residents just outside of Tel Aviv - was offering FREE CHOLENT to anyone getting vaccinated.

The cholent campaign reportedly brought in 2,000 vaccination seekers, largely from Yeshivas, a few weeks ago, so while it seems gimmicky, it is having its intended impact. Insert cholent impact joke here friends.

If you are one of the undecided in Israel and are just waiting for the right moment to get your vaccine, make sure to register in the city that speaks to you most for food - who knows, perhaps hotel breakfasts are on offer next. Sign me up for another shot, please!