Sophia’s Story: Meir Panim Brings Hope to Israel’s Hungry
Alone, Sophia arrived at Meir Panim’s Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchen in Jerusalem, and quietly sat down. Within seconds, a smiling volunteer brought her water and a hot meal – meat with stewed vegetables, chickpeas and potatoes. Like Sophia, the rest of the elderly diners there are treated warmly by staff, and are served their only social interaction of the day along with their food. Sophia, who lives alone, spoke about the importance of being treated with dignity at Meir Panim, “I immigrated to Israel from France 15 years ago. Because the workers are so respectful, people who need food are not ashamed to come here.” Mimi Rozmaryn, Director of Global Development for Meir Panim, stated “Our wish for the New Year is to be out of business –we hope that our clients find the safety net and employment they need.” Meir Panim helps the 1.8 million Israelis living in poverty through a network of Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchens, Meals-on-Wheels, After-School Youth Clubs, school lunch programs, and prepaid food card distribution. For more information visit meirpanim.org or call 877-736-6283.
Chaim Buchinger
info@meirpanim.org
718-437-9100
www.meirpanim.org
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