Kosher restaurants in the U.S. and Canada volunteered to donate 10% of one day’s proceeds to American Friends of Meir Panim, supporting programs that provide food and social services to the impoverished of Israel.

Initiated eight years ago by students of Yeshivat Rambam in Baltimore looking to make a real difference, it is now spearheaded by students of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. The program has expanded to a nationwide collaboration of students, working in their local communities to organize participation and support.

We are still waiting to hear from cities around the country, but with nearly all its kosher restaurants participating, Baltimore’s contribution was tremendous. Other cities included: New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Detroit and this year’s newest addition, Toronto.

When asked about some of the differences between this year’s program and those in previous years, Beth Tfiloh student and AE4I co-head, Noah Abramowitz, replied, “Our biggest change this year was most definitely the clientele we were able to reach. Now that Beth Tfiloh has generously taken the program under its wing, an entire new branch of the community has been involved in the effort.” We, on the AE4I committee, would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy Tuesday to eat out and, in doing so, support the incredibly important work of Meir Panim.

To follow this year’s proceeds as they are sent in, or to learn more about AE4I, visit http://www.americaeatsforisrael.com.