As Israel celebrates the Festival of Lights in a state of war, Meir Panim is diligently ramping up activities to bring as much light and joy as possible to those in need Its unwavering commitment extends beyond the core mission of providing nourishing meals to vulnerable individuals, the elderly and Holocaust survivors. During these tough times, Meir Panim’s dedicated staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to expand services on behalf of soldiers and displaced families.
Remarkably, Nissim Elmakayes, the devoted branch manager from Dimona, successfully secured a vast amount of essential items including clothing, footwear, cribs and children’s beds, for a group of 350 displaced people sheltered in a nearby kibbutz. “It’s hard to imagine being a refugee in your own country, often with no personal possessions other than the clothes on your back,” reflected Elmakayes. “And being unemployed has only heightened their distress and anxiety.” The profound impact of Meir Panim’s compassionate outreach was seen in the heartfelt gratitude of those they served.
In the Or Akiva branch, staff and volunteers have been working overtime since the beginning of the war to prepare enough food for regular patrons in addition to soldiers and displaced families. As the cold weather approaches, here too volunteers are bringing blankets, pillows and other necessities for the families who left everything behind.
In response to a request from Sheba Hospital for visitors and support for 40 injured soldiers, staff and volunteers at the Meir Panim Or Akiva branch prepared carloads of care packages with treats, toiletries, food and even video game consoles to make their recovery more pleasant. From the moment branch manager Ilanit Hafuta received the call, volunteers came together to purchase and pack up the items, including handwritten notes sending love and strength to these injured heroes.
Also under intense economic pressure due to the war are Israel’s farmers in the south. With foreign workers having fled the country, Palestinian workers not permitted to enter Israel, and many drafted for the reserves, these farmers are struggling to find replacement workers to harvest produce before it spoils in the field. Meir Panim has sent a busload of volunteers to join the thousands of others from around the country to help with what they can, picking, sorting and packaging produce.
Mimi Rozmaryn, director of global development, remarked that “Despite the turmoil, Meir Panim remains committed to alleviating as much pressure and pain as possible, with the knowledge, expertise and spirit of giving and togetherness, as well as with the dignity and respect that guides our work all year round.”
Be a part of this noble giving. Make a donation today at www.mpdonate.org; by calling the toll-free number at (877) 7-DONATE/(877) 736-6283; or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim at 88 Walton St., Suite B1, Brooklyn, New York 11206-4479. All donations made in the U.S. are tax-deductible under EIN# 20-1582478.
