Since October 7, 2023, the horrors of war have shaken every corner of the country, leaving countless widows, orphans, and families struggling to afford. Thousands have been injured, permanently disabled, and killed.
Forced to drastically expand our capacity and mission, Meir Panim branches have become lifelines of hope. Whether it’s providing food to grieving families, comforting Holocaust survivors living in isolation, or supporting soldiers on the frontlines, our teams have worked tirelessly to meet the staggering needs of those who have lost so much.
At the heart of every branch is a Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchen, a welcoming space where those in need can enjoy warm, nutritious meals in an atmosphere of dignity and care. But each branch’s mission extends far beyond that, adapting to meet the unique challenges of its community.
Here’s how Meir Panim’s branches are making an extraordinary difference during one of the darkest chapters in Israel’s history.
Tzfat: A lifeline in the north
Tzfat, perched in the mountains of northern Israel, has become a city under siege. For months, Hezbollah’s daily attacks of hundreds of rockets and drones have forced its residents to face constant sirens, fires, and the deafening sound of explosions. Fear is ever-present, and daily life has been upended. As one of Israel’s poorest cities, Tzfat’s residents were already struggling under the weight of poverty before the war began.
Our Tzfat branch has risen to this challenge, providing thousands of hot meals to the doorsteps of families, the elderly, and Holocaust Survivors who are too afraid to leave their homes. “The fear of running to the bomb shelter every time the sirens wail is overwhelming,” shares Avi, the branch manager. “We are here to ensure that no one in this city is left hungry or alone during this nightmare.”
In addition, the Tzfat Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchen is a hub of emotional support, offering more than just a hot, delicious meal but a sense of stability and community for those isolated and overwhelmed. Every week, Holocaust Survivors in Tzfat gather here for lunch, bringing friendship and laughter into their lives.
Tiberias: Rebuilding lives for displaced families
Located on the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias has become a refuge for thousands of displaced families who fled from Israel’s northern border. These families arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, burdened by severe trauma and uncertainty about the future.
Our Tiberias branch has taken on the enormous task of helping these families begin to rebuild their lives. From locating apartments, job placement, and furnishing homes to providing essential items like clothing, bedding, and school supplies, the branch has become a pillar of stability for those starting over.
Meir Panim has donated everything from backpacks to school supplies for children adjusting to new schools, ensuring they feel prepared and supported.
One mother, now volunteering with Meir Panim, shares, “We came here with nothing, but Meir Panim gave us everything—food, furniture, and hope. They made us feel like we were part of a family again.”
Or Akiva: A pumping heart of support for IDF Soldiers, mourning, and displaced families
Or Akiva has been a rock of support for soldiers and their families during this war. So far, this branch has distributed over 25,000 sets of critical gear, including drones and first aid kits, ensuring Israel’s defenders know they are not fighting alone.
Recently, our Or Akiva team organized a visit to Hillel Yaffe Hospital to deliver care packages and warm meals to the over 50 Golani troops injured in a devastating drone attack on their base where four soldiers lost their lives.
One soldier shared, “I lost three friends in one week. Receiving this food and care reminds me that people are standing with us. It gives me the strength to keep going.” Branch manager Ilanit is the person who personally answers hundreds of calls with requests ranging from a pregnant displaced mother needing essentials for a new baby to 200 IDF soldiers who need hot meals and shelf-stable food to take into Gaza that evening.
“Every call is urgent. Every need feels impossible to ignore,” Ilanit shared. “Every morning, we open our branch at 6 am, starting with food preparation, not knowing what the day will bring. We work tirelessly to provide for every request that comes our way.”
Or Akiva is also responding to the increasing needs of local residents, from helping displaced families settle into new homes to providing thousands of meals for those in the throes of poverty; this branch is a lifeline for anyone in need.
Jerusalem: An international hub servings thousands
In Jerusalem, poverty is the harsh reality for almost half of the residents, particularly elderly Holocaust Survivors and families. Here, Meir Panim provides meals with dignity and respect, offering warm environments where patrons feel like guests, not recipients.
As the capital of Israel, Jerusalem draws international visitors, many of whom come to volunteer, bringing smiles to our patrons by speaking their language, sharing enthusiasm, and demonstrating their love for Israel. Volunteers are integral to this branch, creating a unique and heartwarming connection between local residents and global supporters.
One elderly patron shares, “For me, Meir Panim is not just a place to get food. It is a place where I feel valued, where someone remembers me and cares if I am okay.”
Dimona: Restoring dignity for Holocaust Survivors
In Dimona, a southern city facing persistent poverty, our programs like Challah for Shabbat and our weekly Free Shuk (Market) allow those in need to prepare their own meals with dignity independently. The Free Shuk enables families to choose fresh produce and essential items, empowering them to meet their unique needs.
This branch is home to Meir Panim’s Holocaust Survivor Day Center. This unique program offers survivors a place to gather, enjoy warm meals, and participate in activities that nourish body and soul. From art therapy to musical performances, these programs provide emotional and social enrichment to those who have endured so much.
During the Holidays, they host shared traditional meals and parties.
In addition to its work with Holocaust survivors, Dimona’s after-school programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for children from poverty-stricken homes. Children receive homework help, mentorship, and hot meals, setting them on a path to success that will transform generations.
Sderot: Supporting IDF reservist families
In Sderot, where 75% of residents suffer from PTSD due to relentless rocket fire, Meir Panim is a vital source of stability and care. Our branch recently launched a program to support 250 families of IDF reservists, providing meals, emotional support, and little joyful surprises. In a city defined by sirens and explosions, these efforts bring much-needed relief to those living on edge.
At the heart of our work is the Sderot Community Center, a bomb-proof facility offering safety and healing for at-risk teens and isolated seniors. For elderly residents, it provides a space to have a warm meal, find community and friendships, and feel safe leaving their homes. For teens, programs like art therapy and skill-building workshops offer a lifeline, helping them process trauma and envision a brighter future.
Through creative outlets and compassionate care, the Sderot branch transforms lives, offering hope and healing to a community burdened by constant threats. It’s a reminder that resilience can flourish even in the shadow of rockets.
Unified by one mission
While each branch responds to the unique needs of its community, all are united by a shared mission: to brighten the faces of Israel’s people. In a year marked by unspeakable tragedy, Meir Panim has risen to the challenge, delivering meals, love, and critical aid.
Whether it’s feeding soldiers in Gaza, delivering food to families too scared to leave their homes, or offering Holocaust survivors a place to connect, Meir Panim’s branches are the heart of compassion in a country that desperately needs it.
Together with the support of donors and volunteers, Meir Panim proves that even in the darkest times, light can shine. They are making a life-changing difference for Israel’s people, one meal and one moment of hope at a time.
