The children enjoyed holiday music, dancing, arts & crafts projects, special food, and of course – sufganiyot – jelly donuts!

According to David Roth, President of American Friends of Meir Panim, “every child deserves a happy Chanukah. The smiles on their faces when they see the donuts and decorations are priceless.”

In addition, 300 tickets for the exciting Motek shel festival were handed out at the after-school clubs. The musical extravaganza featured skits and songs by Israel’s favorite children’s entertainers. Toys were collected at the festival for the children of Meir Panim, ensuring a happy Chanukah for all!

But Chanukah is not just for kids. All Free Restaurant branches were colorfully decorated. Festive meals were served at each location, so that all Meir Panim clients would have a place to celebrate the holiday.

Ilanit Hafuta, branch manager in Or Akiva, decided to take the concept of ‘light’ to whole new level. She organized dozens of volunteers to visit the elderly and the needy – lighting Chanukah candles, distributing sufganiyot, singing songs – filling their holiday with light and love.