Coffee Culture in Israeli Defense Forces
Moshe Kalker Builds Community Through Coffee and Service in the IDF
My favorite food is coffee. On most days, I’d choose to meet friends for coffee rather than a meal (I tend to enjoy eating at home). During my recent visit to Israel,, I was struck by the coffee culture—whether it’s the variety of brews or the lively atmosphere of the coffee shops.
Sometimes, focusing on something as seemingly small as coffee can provide a little anchor in chaotic times. It’s fascinating how coffee, which is such a daily ritual for so many, becomes a thread connecting moments of normalcy, even during war. During this terrible war, one of the more silly questions I found myself asking was: What do IDF soldiers do for coffee in the field?
I know this is a nonessential question, especially with so many more pressing issues at hand, but it’s where my mind wandered one day. So, I decided to find an Israeli to talk to about coffee and the IDF—and I found Moshe! During this tense cease-fire, as we pray for the safe return of all the hostages, it feels like a good time to reflect on small details that offer a moment of connection, even if they seem irrelevant in the larger scheme of things.
In this interview with Moshe Kolker, co-founder of Coffee Culture Israel, I got a unique glimpse into both the thriving coffee scene in Israel and Moshe’s personal journey from running a coffee cart in Gush Etzion to opening a roasting house in Kfar Etzion. Moshe’s story is also intertwined with his military service, and his insights on how coffee plays a role in uniting people in Israel, even in the most challenging times, are truly inspiring. From creating blends like 'Fighters' Brew' to his perspective on coffee culture in the IDF, Moshe reveals how the love of coffee connects communities in Israel—on and off the battlefield.
Introducing Himself
Moshe, could you start by telling us about yourself and what led you to co-found Coffee Culture Israel?
Hello, my name is Moshe Kalker. I am 34 years old, married to Tovi, and a father of five. I am the owner of a coffee cart chain called Siftach, located in Gush Etzion and Jerusalem. Recently, I opened a roasting house in Kfar Etzion named Coffee Culture Israel. I established it together with my partner, Yosef Ortega, who recently immigrated from the United States.
Coffee Culture in Israel
How would you describe Israel’s coffee culture? What makes it unique compared to coffee traditions in other countries?
I’ve been involved with coffee for over five years, but what truly made me fall in love with it was realizing that 'coffee connects people,' which has since become a personal motto for me. In the end, coffee is the engine, not the driver. We need something that brings us together, gives us a reason to connect and meet, and coffee is the thing around which we can come together
In recent years, coffee culture worldwide, known as the “Third Wave”, has expanded and spread, and it has recently reached Israel as well. As someone who sells coffee, I’ve noticed that customers are becoming increasingly interested in the origin of the coffee and the type of roast. Many are eager to deepen their knowledge and be part of the coffee revolution. However, they often come across terms they’ve heard online or in videos without fully understanding them.
Yosef and I realized there’s a desire to learn, and we saw the potential in creating a space where people could explore and connect with the culture. We discovered that while Israel’s coffee scene has grown significantly, many businesses focus on those already well-versed in coffee. So, we decided to cater to an audience that might not fully understand the differences but wants to be part of the journey.
That’s why we founded Coffee Culture Israel. As the name suggests, we hope to contribute to shaping the emerging coffee culture in Israel.
Cultural Influences on Coffee
Israel is a melting pot of cultures. How does this diversity influence your coffee blends, flavors, or the way people experience coffee here?
Israel’s rich tapestry of cultures and traditions has a direct influence on coffee here. For example, Ethiopian Jews brought with them the Buna coffee ceremony. This ritual takes place at home when guests arrive. Everyone gathers in the living room as the matriarch roasts, grinds, and brews the coffee in front of everyone. The ceremony includes three rounds of coffee drinking and can last up to two hours.
On the other hand, in the reserve army culture, from which I come, there is a tradition of drinking strong black coffee. It’s almost like a hidden competition among soldiers—who has the best coffee kit or the most unique coffee. Soldiers typically drink Turkish coffee (known as "black coffee" in Israel).
We understand that in Israel, there’s no black-and-white approach—there is a wide array of cultures surrounding the world of coffee. Each group brings its own uniqueness and traditions, creating a rich and vibrant coffee culture.
In other countries, such as Scandinavia or Italy, coffee culture is deeply traditional yet relatively uniform in its rituals and flavors. For example, Scandinavia, the global leader in coffee consumption per capita, favors fruitier, more acidic flavors with a lighter roast. In contrast, in Italy, the preferred flavors are more bitter with a darker roast. This may be influenced by the climate, culture, or even the temperament of the people.
In Israel, however, due to the diversity of its people and cultures, there is a wide spectrum of preferences regarding how coffee is enjoyed.
Most cafés in Israel traditionally use Italian-style blends, as the café culture here was initially influenced by Italy. However, gradually, like mushrooms after the rain, roasting houses that also function as cafés are opening. These places offer much more diverse coffee options from around the world, including single-origin light roasts, blends, and more. This evolution indicates that the Israeli palate is beginning to develop a taste for new and different flavors, embracing what was once unfamiliar.
Balancing Military Service and Business
You’ve spent over 300 days on reserve duty in the last 438 days. How do you manage the demands of running a business while serving in the IDF, and what lessons from the frontlines have shaped your approach as an entrepreneur?
First and foremost, I am incredibly proud to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. That being said, when I was called up for reserve duty on October 7th, I had no idea what to expect or who would handle things in my absence. Very quickly, I received a message from one of my employees, who volunteered to take on the managerial responsibilities, and my retired father stepped in to handle all the logistical aspects. Amazingly, it worked.
As time went on, I realized that this war would be prolonged and that I needed to build a system that could operate without me—and that's exactly what I did. I received tremendous support from my customers, my fellow soldiers, and, of course, my family.
The biggest challenge has been the uncertainty. It’s incredibly difficult to plan ahead, think about development, or focus on growth when the call to reserve duty is unpredictable and disrupts everything.
Thankfully, I have a business partner who has been a solid support system in my absence, helping to keep the business moving forward. This has allowed me to serve with peace of mind, knowing that things are being taken care of back home.
During my reserve duty, I met people from diverse fields who contributed to my journey with their expertise. For example, I recently launched a sales website, and one of the soldiers, a programmer, helped me develop certain features for the site. Another soldier, who works in finance, assisted me in securing better loan terms from the banks.
It was during this time that I truly discovered the incredible kindness and mutual support that characterize the people of Israel. The camaraderie and willingness to help, even in challenging times, were deeply inspiring and reaffirmed the strength of our community.
Coffee for the Warriors
Your Caffe Shel Lohamim or Fighters’ Brew has such a powerful name. Can you share the story behind this blend and how it reflects your connection to those who serve?
As I mentioned earlier, in the army, there's an entire culture built around coffee. During my reserve duty, while on a mission in Gaza, four of my soldiers were injured. I felt a deep need to express my appreciation for the soldiers on the ground, those who risk their lives and bodies for the people and the land. That’s when the idea of "Kafe Shel Lochamim" (Warriors' Coffee) came to me—a tribute to our soldiers.
Currently, we offer four types of Turkish (black) coffee: regular, cardamom, hawaij, and cinnamon. These unique blends reflect the diversity of traditions and cultures in Israel, yet what unites them all is the coffee itself. This initiative is not just about a drink; it’s a symbol of gratitude and unity for all those who serve.
Coffee in the Field
What is coffee culture like in the IDF? Is it more about convenience, tradition, or comfort? Do you have any memorable stories about making or sharing coffee in the field?
During one of my reserve duties, a new commander arrived, and the brigade commander wanted to give him a tour of the sector. He mentioned a Bedouin who lived on one of the hills, rumored to make the best coffee in the country. To reach his place, we had to travel in an armored convoy because the route passed through dangerous areas.
We set out with the convoy, came under fire along the way, and eventually reached the top of the hill. All the soldiers entered the tent and sat around the fire. It’s worth noting that it was raining outside, and our expectations for the coffee were sky-high. We all sat quietly, watching the Bedouin prepare the coffee. To our surprise, he pulled out a branded tin of Elite instant coffee and started making it. The soldiers exchanged bewildered glances but remained silent.
After a few minutes, the Bedouin served the coffee. We sat in silence, took a sip, and, well, it wasn’t great. When we stepped outside, all the soldiers started yelling at the commander, laughing and complaining, because it was, without a doubt, the worst coffee we had ever tasted. The entire experience became a legendary story among the unit—a reminder that expectations and reality don’t always align, especially when it comes to coffee.
Connecting with Moshe:
If you’re currently in Israel, we’d love to welcome you to visit us in Kfar Etzion or check out our offerings on our website: coffeecultureisrael.co.il.
In the coming months, we’ll be launching an English version of our website and expanding our reach to international markets.
We also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at coffeeculture.il to stay connected and up-to-date on our journey.
Additionally, we are currently working on a campaign called "Coffee for Warriors." Our goal is to distribute 1,000 packages of Turkish coffee to soldiers. Each package costs about 50 shekels, and we plan to deliver them to soldiers stationed from the southern to the northern borders of Israel.
If you’re visiting Israel and would like to take part in the packaging efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at coffeecultureisrael@gmail.com.
We’d love to have your support!
Now we’ve learned more about coffee culture in Israel and the IDF! Moshe’s story highlights how coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a way to connect, support, and bring people together. From his work with the IDF and Fighter’s Coffee to his personal journey, Moshe shows how a simple cup can help strengthen our community.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite coffee spot in Israel? Share it in the comments and inspire us all!
Kenden
