If someone would ask me to describe Israelis in one word, I’d have to say “resilient.” Despite a year punctuated by COVID, severe economic hardship, terror, unrest and tragedy, the average Israeli continues to be optimistic, even upbeat, looking forward to a good, sweet new year 5782.
Meir Panim’s devoted staff members are similarly focused on the positive. As they gear up to greet the new year (while simultaneously working to continuously feed thousands daily), the emphasis has shifted from crisis mode to rebuilding.
“Compared to the height of the pandemic, when unemployment skyrocketed to 26% and we had to triple our daily output, today we’re investing our efforts to help our communities heal and recover,” explained Mimi Rozmaryn, director of global development at Meir Panim.
Citing an example of their active involvement to serve as a large-scale community resource, Rozmaryn related that in the southern town of Dimona, where Meir Panim operates one of its restaurant-style soup kitchens, all COVID patients received challahs for Shabbat.
But the road to recovery takes time, and we’re not out of the woods yet. “On the one hand, Israel operated an amazing vaccine drive, and for that we’re extremely grateful. Still, there are so many people that continue to struggle financially—it’s appalling and shocking,” Rozmaryn said.
Back in January 2021, when COVID still had the rest of the world in a stranglehold, Israel was a leader, already offering vaccines to its adult population. Israel is continuing in this direction with the provision, in recent weeks, of a third booster shot for the older, more vulnerable populations.
Unfortunately, however, the economy is still reeling, and it’s the weakest sectors that are feeling the brunt. One example is the tourism industry, which has been shut down since the start of COVID, with the impact felt in ever-widening circles. “If you think about it, it’s not only the hotels and restaurants that are hurting; it’s also the families of the tour guides, the taxi drivers, the cleaners at Ben Gurion Airport, and more!” Rozmaryn pointed out.
The numbers tell the story: Whereas Israel’s unemployment rate before COVID was 4%, it is currently teetering around 10%-11%—double the rate of the U.S. That translates into large numbers of working-class families who had previously managed to make ends meet, who are now experiencing poverty and food insecurity. “They’re coming to us, requesting the basics like bread, eggs, rice, etc.,” said Rozmaryn.
For the High Holidays, Meir Panim’s branch managers will be supplying, as usual, hot meals for the needy and hungry; Meals on Wheels for the elderly, disabled, and Holocaust survivors; as well as grocery vouchers for the working poor and single mothers.
In light of the continued uncertainty and anxiety stemming from the health and economic situation, Meir Panim had a new idea: to gift struggling Israelis with a reliable and extended infusion of support that will put them back on their feet, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty.
To accomplish this goal, Meir Panim is turning to you for a monthly commitment of support. Any amount will help. A steady baseline of incoming funds will allow Meir Panim to plan for the future and take a long-term approach to fighting poverty. Become an active partner in Meir Panim’s mission to break the cycle of poverty!
Donations can be made online at www.mpdonate.org , through its toll-free number (1-877) 736-6283, or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim at 88 Walton Street, Suite B1 Brooklyn, NY 11206-4479. All donations made in the U.S. are tax-deductible under EIN# 20-1582478.
By Hadassah Bay
