FIDF Baltimore Celebrates Mimouna Holiday

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Baltimore Chapter hosted a virtual Mimouna celebration on Sunday for the Baltimore community to honor North African Jewish heritage.

Mimouna is a traditional North African Jewish holiday which commemorates the end of Passover and the return to eating Chametz (or leavened bread products). One of the most recognizable Mimouna dishes is Mufleta, a traditional Moroccan thin crêpe made from water, flour and oil, prepared at the Mimouna and eaten to break Passover.

At the event, co-chairs Muriel and Moshe Shoshan taught how to make a traditional Mufleta. While cooking Mufleta the Shushans shared their memories of being kids in Israel celebrating Mimouna.

Also co-chairing the event were Orly and Yair Shalem who discussed their experience as the parents of a Lone Soldier, one who joins the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with no immediate family in Israel, as well as the tradition of celebrating Mimouna.

Proceeds from the event will benefit FIDF’s DIGNITY program, which provides soldiers in-need and their families with essential items such as furniture, electrical appliances, and other necessities. For those with severe financial difficulties, FIDF provides monetary assistance through special grants. In addition, holiday gift vouchers are distributed every year. This assistance allows soldiers to focus on their service without worrying about financial concerns at home.

“As the proud mother of a former Lone Soldier, and as a proud Mizrahi woman who served in the IDF, I am so excited to have been able to share my culture and experiences with the larger Baltimore community,” said Baltimore event co-chair Orly Shalem.

“We celebrate Mimouna every year with our family and friends, just as we used to in Israel, and although this year is different, we are happy to host this special program with our dear friends,” said event co-chair Moshe Shoshan. “Mufleta is such a special treat that we prepare for the end of Passover, and we really enjoyed sharing our recipe with the FIDF Baltimore community!”

To view the event recording please visit this link.