Falafel Day Honors Holocaust Survivor's 80-Year Dream

When 14-year-old Dugo Leitner marched through the snow during the Auschwitz death march in January 1945, one memory kept him alive: his mother's words about warm, round rolls waiting in the Land of Israel.

That vision of food and home gave the starving teenager the strength to survive. On January 18, 2026, people across Israel and around the world will honor his memory by eating falafel, turning his private tradition into a powerful celebration of resilience.

After the war, Dugo immigrated to Israel and discovered falafel for the first time. The round, warm balls reminded him instantly of those life-saving rolls from his mother's story. Every year on January 18, the anniversary of that death march, he marked his survival by eating falafel as a personal victory celebration.

In 2016, the Testimony House Holocaust museum transformed Dugo's private ritual into "Operation Dugo." What started as one man's way of honoring his survival has grown into a nationwide movement. This year marks the initiative's 11th anniversary, with thousands of students, soldiers, youth groups, company employees, and Jewish communities worldwide expected to participate.

The celebration takes on special meaning in 2026. Israel's Postal Company is issuing an official commemorative stamp in Dugo's honor, the first time the initiative has received formal state recognition. The stamp, illustrated by Michel Kichka and Miri Nistor, will be released on February 10.

Schools across Israel will open Sunday with lesson plans about Dugo's inspiring story. Israel Defense Forces units will hold special activities, and a video competition for young people will showcase winning entries during the events. Participants are encouraged to visit their nearest falafel stand, take photos, and share them on social media.

Why This Inspires

Dugo's story transforms a simple street food into a symbol of hope triumphing over unimaginable darkness. His ability to hold onto a small promise during humanity's darkest hour reminds us that even the tiniest spark of hope can light the way to survival.

"Operation Dugo reminds us that memory can connect, strengthen, and inspire," said Maayan Karni Yehuda, CEO of Testimony House. The initiative brings together Israelis and Jews worldwide during challenging times, proving that individual stories of survival can unite entire communities.

For Dugo's family, the stamp carries extra meaning as they were stamp collectors. This year also brings the birth of a great-grandson named in his honor, ensuring his legacy of hope continues into new generations.

On January 18, every bite of falafel becomes a celebration of life, a testament to human resilience, and a promise that darkness never gets the final word.