Two years ago, Leah, a Holocaust Survivor living in Israel, lost her husband of 52 years. The loss of her husband devastated Leah, leaving her sad and alone. Leah went from being social and active to feeling almost as if she had no reason to live. The Meir Panim ‘restaurant-style soup kitchen quickly stepped in and became Leah’s lifeline. The organization’s Holocaust Survivor Day Center provided Leah with meals, a social life, therapy, and so much more.
This all changed when Covid-19 hit, putting restrictions on public gatherings. It prevented Survivors like Leah, who often live alone with limited human contact, from getting together and socializing at our center. Once again, leaving Leah devastated and lonely.
Although Leah was receiving meals through Meir Panim’s Meals-on-Wheels program, the foodbank recognized the need to provide relief from the social isolation that many Survivors experienced during this unprecedented time.
That’s why Meir Panim quickly assembled a team of volunteers to call Leah, and the hundreds of other homebound Survivors, to ensure that both their physical and emotional needs were cared for. The organization proceeded to call Leah every single day, reviving her spirit, and providing her a lifeline during this challenging period.
Leah’s story is just one example of the life-saving support Survivors receive at Meir Panim’s center. For many, it is the only access they have to hot meals, professional care, and stimulating programs. Thankfully, their Holocaust Survivor Day Center is open once again for Leah and other Survivors to enjoy. Meir Panim is back to offering safe transportation to and from our Day Center, nutritious meals, enriching socialization, important therapy sessions, and other vital support for Israel’s Holocaust Survivors.
With the Jewish holidays coming up, it is more important than ever to ensure that Israel’s remaining Holocaust Survivors have the support they need. After all that our precious Survivors have been through, they deserve the very best.
Please help Meir Panim continue feeding and supporting Israel’s Holocaust Survivors. For as little as $45, you can help provide meals for a Survivor throughout the holidays and bring a smile to their face.
