Hadassah Bay
Since the outbreak of war in Israel on October 7, Meir Panim’s staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to support war efforts in every corner of the country.
In addition to their primary mission of providing hot meals to individuals in need, including families, the elderly and Holocaust survivors, Meir Panim staff and volunteers are stretching resources and their own schedules, supporting services to soldiers and displaced families.
In order to keep up with the increased demand, branch managers have been adding extra hours, even opening up facilities right after Shabbat to begin cooking for the week. Escalated activities are evidenced by the new floodlights installed at one branch to facilitate work late into the night, and a new industrial sized oven donated to another branch to augment cooking capacity.
Meir Panim has been providing tens of thousands of meals, care packages and equipment for soldiers on the front lines. Last week they hosted a barbecue for one troop, and served breakfast for 700 troops on base. Nir, a regular volunteer for Meir Panim, now called up for reserves duty and who visited the branch on his short furlough, affirmed, “Everything you’ve been sending has really boosted our morale and motivation. We can feel that the nation is standing with us!”
Meir Panim has been providing meals, goods and clothing to displaced families from the north and south. Meals are being sent to people living temporarily with family and friends, being hosted at hotels and any secondary homes/dorms/summer camps that can be found.
In addition to the thousands of displaced families that Israel has evacuated, there are thousands more, such as from the city of Ashkelon, who have been dealing with constant, daily rocket fire. Many homes in this area do not have shelters in their homes or buildings, and residents have essentially “moved in” to community shelters or places that have shelters on site. In partnership, Meir Panim has provided these families with food and clothing as well as games and toys.
As the conflict continues, Meir Panim remains committed to its expanded role in supporting the soldiers – Israel’s sons and daughters, husbands and relatives, who have put their lives on hold and at risk to defend the country – and among the families who are experiencing the hardships of being refugees in their own country.
Mimi Rozmaryn, Director of Global Development, highlighted the surge in volunteer support, exemplified by a 96-year-old gentleman who contributes daily, showing the community’s united effort in these challenging times.
You can help, too! Make your donation today online at www.mpdonate.org, through the toll-free number at (877) 7-DONATE / 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 US are tax-deductible under EIN# 20-1582478.
