When Sarah was just five years old, she lost everything. In the middle of the night, a fire broke out, destroying her mother’s home in Or Akiva and taking the life of her beloved older sister. Just like that, Sarah’s life changed overnight. 

Unfortunately, that was only the beginning. The pain of losing a child was too much for Sarah’s mother to bear, and she became unable to provide for Sarah the way she used to. 

In hopes of being raised in a supportive and stable environment, Sarah eventually moved in with her father and stepmother. Sarah’s relationship with her stepmother quickly became abusive, forcing her to move again. This time, Sarah came back to Or Akiva to live with her grandparents. 

It was then that our Or Akiva branch manager, Ilanit, quickly befriended Sarah and became like a mother to her. She would help her with homework and take her to appointments. llanit personally made sure that Sarah was cared for and looked after. 

Thirteen years after the fire that flipped Sarah’s life upside down, Sarah began to look for a place to do her national service. After everything Meir Panim had given her, it was natural for her to choose Meir Panim as the place she would spend a year giving back to. 

At Meir Panim, we don’t just feed the hungry–we change lives. While our branches prepare and distribute thousands of hot meals a day, it is so much more than that.

Meir Panim’s staff work around the clock to provide and care for anyone in need. They play an active role in their communities and take a loving interest in the people they serve in a way that is often life-changing.