Meir Panim had the privilege of hosting the Maimonide School of Brussels for three consecutive days. March 8th, 9th and 10th were spent in the wonderful company of the students. The first group was accompanied by their teachers, Mrs Vivianne Sztybel and Mrs.Irit Aharonovits.

The group spent some time in the kitchen cutting and peeling vegetables and serving our patrons. At the end of their visit, Mrs. Aharonovits, who was truly the driving force behind these visits, was presented with a beautiful plaque, thanking her for her tireless efforts on our behalf. .

The next morning was spent with another group of youngsters, aged 15-17, accompanied by their principal, Harav Benizri. Part of the group stayed in the kitchens, while the other half continued to the Koach Latet warehouse, in order to pack up food parcels for the elderly. Rabbi Benizri did a wonderful job appointing the children to their posts, while he himself actively participated in the work.

On March 10th, we welcomed yet another group. This time the venue was Kiryat Malachi.
Wonderful sixth graders, all very eager to help, were given aprons and got to work in the kitchen. Part of them sat down for lunch, while their friends served them and tended to their needs. The children seemed very taken by the fact that there are children of their age in Israel who go to sleep hungry and wake up to another day without food.

We wish to thank all the people responsible for taking their time off their busy schedules, to come to Meir Panim expressing their solidarity and warmth towards their needy brothers and sisters in the holy Land.

In a visit conducted by the chairman of the Holocaust Victims Welfare Fund and the Fund's general director, Mr. Dubi Arbel, in the POG center in Kiryat Gat, the two received a comprehensive outline of Meir Panim's activities throughout Israel on behalf of the needy, and the organization's contribution on behalf of Holocaust survivors in Israel.

Mr. Pactor and Mr. Arbel also visited the Meir Panim restaurants in Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi, where they spoke with the restaurants' guests. The Holocaust Victims Welfare Fund, which was established by the Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel, assists needy Holocaust survivors, particularly in the areas of food and welfare.

25 recent immigrants from Ethiopia completed their training for work in fields such as carpentry, electricity and dressmaking, as part of a joint program run by POG and the "Be'atzmi" organization. The workshops were held in the POG center in Be'er Sheva.

In addition to the professional workshops, strong emphasis was placed on the personal enrichment of the new immigrants and their acquisition of the tools needed for their integration into Israeli society.

The employment placement office, with the help of the government absorption centers and the "Be'atzmi" organization, will accompany the project's participants over the course of the next three months, until they find employment.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held in Kibbutz Telalim, in the Negev, participants in the workshop told of the profound sense of gratification they received by actualizing their potential, and, primarily, by knowing that the equipment they repaired has been handed over to families in need, and at times to families of the workshop's participants themselves.

In addition, participants told of how the workshop improved their sense of self-confidence and prepared them for entering the country's workforce.

In a ceremony held at the end of November in the municipal cultural center of Rishon Le'tziyon, Dudi and Rivka Zilbershlag were granted the annual award of the National Council for Social Development for 2004. The award was given to Dudi and Rivka in appreciation of their efforts on behalf Israeli society.

Dudi Zilbershlag, who spoke on behalf of all the recipients, remarked, "Today, those who give all year round now find themselves in the position of recipients. And this is good - for only thereby can the givers feel somewhat the shame experienced by someone on the receiving end."

The "Meir Panim - Hatzor" restaurant was dedicated at a beautiful ceremony in Hatzor Haglilit, with many dozens of people in attendance. The new food center was renovated and furnished thanks to a generous donation by the "Dor S"t" fund. 150 people are expected to eat in the restaurant each day, and in addition, it will distribute 80 hot meals to homebound elderly and disabled persons. This brings to 12 the number of Meir Panim restaurants in Israel.

The dedication ceremony was held in Shevat, 5765 (December, 2004). The ceremony included the affixing of mezuzot by the city's rabbis - Rabbi Mordechai Di'i shlita and Rabbi Abramowitz shlita. The Dorset Foundation, whose donation facilitated the opening of the branch, was represented by Mr. Michael Breisacher, the fund's Israeli representative. The Boukobza family of Luxembourg, which also donated towards the branch, was represented by Avraham and Zehava Cohen. The ceremony was attended by numerous public figures, members of the "Meir Panim" administration, volunteers, and Hatzor residents.

Speakers at the event included Deputy Mayor Mr. Meir Shitrit, who warmly welcomed the new food center which will bring considerable relief to the city; Mr. Michael Breisacher, representative of the Dorset Foundation. fund, spoke of the generous donation made by the fund and its leadership; Mr. Moti Apello, manager of the new branch, thanked the local authorities for their cooperation; and "Meir Panim" Chairman Mr. Dudi Zilbershlag closed the ceremony with an emotional address, thanking all the participants and those involved in this important work.

On Monday, February 21st, Meir Panim had the privilege of hosting a group of people from the E. Church, originating from all over the United States.

The group was introduced to our activities and watched the movie. They also sat down to enjoy a hot meal, along with Meir Panim's patrons.

The most poignant moment of this visit was when an elderly woman of the group approached us, recounting the following story:” When I was a little girl growing up in Germany, I suffered from severe poverty. Worst of all, I suffered from the terrible shame of not having what to eat and having to take from others. I used to stand next to a girl who would hand me sandwiches. In order for no one to see, I would hide my hand in my dress-pocket, taking the much needed sandwich into my dress, only to eat it when no one was looking.. She was ashamed to give and I was ashamed to receive. I am soon turning 83, but I can still feel that sense of shame I experienced so many years ago. So today, when I saw and heard how you treat each and every person with dignity, I was truly touched by your display of sensitivity towards the needy’s feelings”.

This personal encounter proved to us once again that respect and consideration are vital factors for the hungry person's well-being.

Upon their departure, we invited them to stay in touch and expressed our thanks and appreciation of their solidarity. Their warm visit will fondly be remembered.

Meir Panim's first refrigerated truck recently made its debut on the highway. The truck was donated jointly by the Swieca family of New York, and the Zeffren family of Los Angeles.

These families' generous donation will be of great assistance to the food production plant planned to be built in Kiryat-Gat, which, in its initial stage of operation, will supply 30,000 hot meals each day to schoolchildren throughout the Negev. This truck is the first of twelve which will distribute food to needy children over the course of the year, with the launching of the "Food for Negev Children" project.Already now, Meir Panim ships food in refrigerated trucks to the homes of elderly and handicapped persons, as well as hot lunches for children in schools throughout Israel.

On January 17, 2005, an Evening Tribute was held in the David's Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, honoring all those who took part in the "Meir Panim" organization's Chanukah events. The organization conducted two emotion-filled events over the course of this last Chanukah. The first was the raising of the largest Chanukah menorah in the world, at the entrance to Jerusalem, and the second featured an evening of special programming on Channel 1 in salute of "Meir Panim." We felt obliged to thank the many dozens of people who help us realize this dream and conduct these two beautiful, emotional and professionally run events.

The organization initiated the project of erecting the largest menorah in the world together with the Jerusalem municipality, and it was placed at the entrance to Jerusalem. The menorah extended over a territory consisting of 800 meters, weighed 50 tons, and shone with 1,800 bulbs.

The menorah served as a magnet attracting thousands of people who came to behold the spectacular sight of thousands of bulbs illuminating the skies over the city of Jerusalem, and heralding a ray of light and hope for the thousands of children whom the "Meir Panim" organization assists each day.

The menorah was intended to give exposure to a unique program of "Meir Panim," namely, providing hot food packages to needy children studying in long school-day programs in playgroups and schools in the country's southern region. As part of this project, "Meir Panim" is currently building a giant kitchen that will provide hot meals for approximately 30,000 children. The menorah was photographed and received coverage both in Israel and throughout the world. In fact, its photograph appeared on the front pages of many newspapers.

In order to launch such an enormous project, dozens of people were enlisted to help "Meir Panim." Some assisted on the technical end, others in public relations, and some worked to raise funds and market the idea. The brilliant idea was conceived by the Bama Ke'halachah company. Dudi Zilbershleg embraced the idea, and Mr. Gil Teichman, chairman of the "Itzuv Bama" company, brought it to fruition.

Koby Arieli officiated the evening with charm and humor. During the ceremony, Zilbershleg praised the vibrant spirit behind the "Meir Panim" organization. He thanked all those in attendance and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the devoted work of dozens of public figures who give of their time and energies to help advance the organization's initiatives. These people understand that as Israeli society develops from a community to a state, it becomes necessary for the citizens to mobilize their efforts collectively on behalf of society at large.

There were many partners who shared in the program's success, including FM 103 radio, which held a radio campaign with all its broadcasters and produced a musical ad for the event; the "Mekomonei Shokan" chain which donated billboards; the "Hamekomon" chain which also donated billboards; Mr. Eli Azur and his communications chain, together with "Mekomonei Novosty"; Anashim newspaper and "Shlatei Hutzot"; Maariv internet NRG and the personal sponsorship of Mr. Hanoch Daum; and, of course, the Dan and Eged bus companies, which hung promotional signs in the front of their buses.

Many companies urged the organization on with this project and lent it their support, including Bezeq, the Israel Electric Company, and Channel 2.Among the main partners in the program's success were the Jerusalem municipality, and, primarily, the "Ariel" company. Tzion Turgeman of the "Ariel" company, which lent a hand to ensure the event's success and publicity, ascended the podium to greet the audience, and lauded the wonderful cooperation between the municipality and the organization.

Over the course of the evening, a number of people who have accompanied the organization during the last several years told us their personal accounts of why they decided to join the "Meir Panim" organization.

Speakers who shared with us some of their personal feelings include: Danny Keizler, from "Bama Ke'halacha" - among the initiators of the idea to erect the menorah; Orna Angel, a member of the administrative board who was actively involved in setting up the organization; MK Zevulun Orlev, who had forged a strong relationship with the organization during his tenure as Minister of Welfare, a relationship that continues until today; and Hadas Shechnai, the organization's project manager and among the producers of the Chanukah events.

After having learned a bit about the flurry of activity surrounding the largest Chanukah menorah in the world, we reached the next stage - distributing certificates of appreciation and tribute to those without whom the Chanukah menorah project would never have come to fruition, to those virtuous, accomplished men and women who generously lent a helping hand to the activities of "Meir Panim."

Sassi Amit, a member of Meir Panim's administration, distributed the certificates. The following is the list of wonderful people to whom we express our heartfelt gratitude: Tzion Turgeman, chairman of "Ariel"; Eli Yisrelevitz - "Bama Ke'halacha"; Gil Teichman, who arranged the lighting systems; Uri Greenbaum - logistical coordinator; Eyal Lavi - "Itzuv Bama"; Manny Hesas - "Itzuv Bama"; Iris Ben-Shahal - spokeswoman for the Israel Electric Company, Jerusalem district; Segal Gafni - assistant director, Radio 103; Hanoch Daum of NRG - the internet site of Maariv; Nava Bat-Tzur - assistant director of radio affairs, Channel 2; Eitan Ficksman - spokesman for the Dan bus company; Ron Ratner - spokesman for the Eged bus company; Alon Alroi - "Mekomonei Ha'Sharon" chain; Kobi Barkai - Shalmor, Ivnun, Amichai; Racheli Ofek - Shalmor, Ivnun, Amichai; Moti Zingervitz and Galit Tochterman - Cellcom spokeswoman.

The second part of the evening was devoted to honoring those who helped produce Channel 1's evening of salute to the "Meir Panim" organization. Many people took part in the success of this evening of salute and fundraising, including, first and foremost, the television directors - Yosef Barel, Moti Eden, Yossi Meshulam and Zelig Rabinowitz.

Special thanks was extended to the producers, Yehuda Biton and Sammy Amselm; stage-manager Amnon Hosman; and Vezna Shlomo, who produced the video clips. The broadcast featured a number of panel discussions, which included several dear friends who honored the event with their presence and spoke of their attitude towards the general issue of kindness to others. We express our gratitude to MK's Avshalom Vilan, Yuli Tamir and Zevulun Orlev; the panel of authors - Smadar Shir, Dalik Vlinich, and psychologist Hili Kochavi; the panel of childhood stories - Michelle Dayan, Shimon Adaf and Dr. Hayim Ayalon-Iluz. Merav Miller and Aharon Ferara conducted the fundraising broadcast with characteristic charm. Special thanks to meteorologist Sharon Wexler, who suddenly transformed into a fundraiser for this evening.

Many performers came to entertain the viewers, including Dudi Tasah, Ron Shoval, Rinat Gabai, Gronich and the Shva Choir, Liron Tahl, David Daor, and Yossi Wieder, who delighted us with a piece of social commentary.

Two telephone operating centers assisted in the evening's production. First and foremost, the "Beeper" operating center extended itself to the fullest for this event, with 120 operators who donated to "Meir Panim" their pay for the hours of the broadcast. Without the "Beeper" operating center, we would have been unable to manage the thousands of calls that flooded the lines. The second operating center was "Telklal," which assists us on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

We concluded this part of the ceremony with a general, heartfelt expression of gratitude to all those who work and volunteer for the organization regularly throughout the year, and who invested so much spirit and energy into the success of the Chanukah events.

Later, a number of people thanks to whom the Chanukah events came into being spoke of their personal feelings, describing how and why they joined the "Meir Panim" organization. Speakers included Vezna Shlomo - television producer for Channel 1; Hayim Ayalon-Iloz - child sociologist; and Vivian Oriya of Yad Vashem.

After having been exposed to the dozens of people who helped produce the evening of tribute on Channel 1, we reached the point of distributing certificates of appreciation to those without whom this evening of fundraising and salute would never have happened. The certificates were distributed by Sassi Amit and Dudi Zilbershleg. The following is the list of special people to whom we express our debt of gratitude: Yosef Barel - director of the Israeli Broadcasting Authority; Moti Eden - director of Israeli Television; Yossi Meshulam - program director for Israeli Television; Zelig Rabinowitz - head producer; Yehuda Biton - producer of Israeli Television; Sammy Amselm - producer of Israeli Television; Shlomo Vezna - film producer for the evening of tribute; Shuki Shomer - the "internet person"; Sarit Ashkenazi Levi - researcher; Efrat Barber - "Beeper" company; Maya Hollander-Yogev - "Beeper" company; Ilan Friedland - chairman, "Beeper"; Keren Hananel - marketing director, "Beeper"; Lior Dasa - chairman, "Gemini"; Micky Miro - the Broadcasting Authority; Hayim Asner - music director; Amnon Osman - stage-director; Sarit Sabo - screen writer; Sharon Wexler, who ran the appeal; Michal Gershon - researcher; Merav Miller - master of ceremonies; Aharon Ferara - master of ceremonies; David Daor - singer and performer for "Meir Panim."After all the thanks and wishes, we paid tribute to and saluted a woman of extraordinary humility, blessed with inner tranquillity, intelligence and good taste, without whose efforts in conducting the entire orchestra we have just introduced, we would never have succeeded in these enormous projects that we took upon ourselves. This woman is Michal Maor, who was the force and spirit behind the Chanukah events.

Denver has impressively responded to the serious issue of poverty in Israel. On the 7th night of Hanukka, December 13th, approximately 300 people attended the first Israeli Soup Kitchen at the JCC. Organized by ActionIsrael with co-sponsorship of the JCC & Allied Jewish Federation, its purpose was to raise awareness and funds to support the overwhelming need to support the increasing number of poor in Israel.

The program included a welcome from Herzl Melmed, Chairman of ActionIsrael who briefly reviewed the devastation resulting from over 4 years of terrorism that have generated 22,407 terrorist attacks & Israeli deaths. This would be equivalent to 20 Twin Tower attacks in proportion to Israel's population. The traumatized economy, with thousands wounded & thousands of families having their incomes compromised, has resulted in a need to help those in dire economic distress get through this difficult time.

Hazel Melmed, the event chair person welcomed all & thanked the many volunteers who made the event happen.

Rabbi Jordan Friedman from Congregation Emanuel explained the story of Hanukka to an appreciative audience which included many Christian friends of the Jewish Community & Israel, & a large menorah was lit with the singing of traditional songs led by Reem Bashari.

Shaul Amir, director of the Israel Center at the AJF, gave a moving account of the Soup Kitchens in Israel & many in the audience were deeply touched & surprised to learn of the seriousness of the problem- 600,000 families below the poverty line & children going to bed hungry. He pointed out the polls are showing that Israelis consider the issue of the poor as important a National issue as security.

The evening concluded with the serving of soup & fund raising. A large percentage of the monies raised have been dedicated to Meir Panim to help feed the hungry at our twelve relief centers

Chanukah is usually the time of year when Jewish children throughout the world look forward to receiving gifts. This year the Religious School of Temple Israel in Tallahassee, Florida and the Temple's Israel Subcommittee sponsored a Chanukah "Basic Necessities" drive to help improve the level of poverty in Israel.

Cantor Tanya Tamarkin and several Israelis in Tallahassee, including Pnina and Rami Sharon, recommended Meir Panim and they decided to "adopt" a class of children in Israel and to provide a hot meal a day for each student in the class for a cost of $2.00/meal.

And so, a partnership was established with the Menachem Begin school in Kiryat-Malachi, which has a significant population of Ethiopian immigrants and where Meir-Panim and Koach-Latet are actively involved in relief projects to help the needy population.
Religious School leader, Mimi Molina, in consultation with others, decided to contribute the tzedekah monies that the children brought to Religious School for four weeks (November 7 through December 5). Some of the families discussed devoting the money that they ordinarily might spend on gifts for the children for at least one night of Chanukah to this effort to raise funds for the needy. In this way the entire family could share in this mitzvah. The idea was that each family would talk about the opportunity to share with those who are less fortunate and come up with its own approach for doing so.

The Temple Israel 2004 Chanukah Drive turned out to be a great success. The children (about 140 children) raised about $350. Thanks to the generosity of members of the Temple, and of the Israeli families who live in Tallahassee, a total of more than $2,000 was raised. This will provide enough money for more than 1,000 hot meals to needy children in school. In due course, a "pen pal" connection will be established between the children and their counterparts in Israel, to build on the relationship that has been created.

Friends of Meir Paim in Belgium commenced their activities, headed by Rabbi Guigui, Chief Rabbi of Brussels.

Friends of Meir Panim in Belgium has an additional name: Yad Rivkah, in memory of the late Rabbanit Rivkah Guigui, who passed away just about a year ago. As Rabbi Guigui put it, Rabbanit Rivkah would have never tolerated the fact that children in Israel go to sleep with an empty stomach. It is therefore befitting to have such a cause carry her name. May her memory be blessed.

Rabbi Guigui, who serves as President , has already organized two gatherings on behalf of Meir Panim, assisted by active members of the community, religious figures, and Mrs. Kinar, the wife of the Israeli ambassador in Belgium. The participants received a thorough description of our organization and its activities.
This was followed by a discussion of how Meir Panim- Yad Rivkah could operate
effectively in Belgium. A sense of determination permeated the air.

Now that the solid foundations have been laid, we are convinced that Meir Panim- Yad Rivkah, with the cooperation of the Belgian community's finest, will succeed in its essential task of coming to aid our disadvantaged brethren in the Holy Land.

On September 26, 2004, Westchester Day School kicked off its year-long partnership with the Yad HaMoreh School in Jerusalem. Yad HaMoreh, a coed Jewish Day School, is the first Jewish Day School to successfully integrate children with special needs into their regular school community. Unfortunately, however, in light of the dismal economic situation in Israel particularly affecting families with children, the situation at the school is such that students are unable to afford an adequate lunch program. Lack of proper nutrition inevitably takes its toll on the students psyche, which is detrimental to their health and well being and in due course, to their development as productive citizens.

Parents, students and teachers at Westchester Day School joined together in support of the Yad HaMoreh School through a family Learn-a-thon. The classrooms were filled with discussions about empathy and reaching out to others less fortunate. Teachers led students and parents in group discussions about compassion through "loving your neighbor as yourself". The WDS family raised almost $20,000 for Meir Panim, helping us provide hot lunches to the underprivileged children who attend that school.

Mrs. Audrey Aborn, friend and dedicated volunteer of Meir Panim, made the connection for WDS to Yad HaMoreh. Mrs. Baila Weiss, Special Projects Coordinator, Mrs. Aborn, many parent volunteers, the teachers, staff and administration were all very involved in the project, which took long in planning. Rabbi Yehuda Jeiger, Student Activity Coordinator, who actually schemed the concept of this chesed-learning program, as well as the many others he has created for the children, actively worked behind the scenes to ensure the successful outcome of the project.

The concept of empathy continues to be a theme throughout the year at WDS. The second grade students donated their candy filled goodie bags they would have received at their Chag HaTorah to the students of Yad HaMoreh. In this modern day and age where egotism and lack of consideration for others is rampant among youth, it is never too early to educate children to be "givers". We salute Westchester Day School and its dedicated leaders, true role models, who have made "reaching out to others" an integral part of the learning program at WDS.

On Monday, January 10th, Meir Panim was delighted to host a wonderful group of 25 young men and women, all counselors at the Ramah camps, affiliated with the Conservative movement.

After a brief introduction to our activities, Mr. David Roth announced that anyone not satisfied with the food being served at their hotel, will be more than welcome to come and enjoy our scrumptious meals at Meir Panim.

The group helped out at the kitchen, peeling and chopping vegetables while chatting with our staff. The other group folded and packed clothing at Power of Giving.

Their work was much appreciated, given the fact that our warehouse was still loaded with clothing donated for the Tsunami victims.

The group displayed much enthusiasm at being able to be part of such a worthy cause and many members vowed to keep in touch.

This wonderful group presented us with a generous donation. This wonderful morning came to a close as Mr. Lefkowitz, general manager of Meir Panim offered the group a beautiful plaque, expressing our appreciation for their solidarity.

Monday, January 3rd, marked the commencement of a promising relationship between youngster from Hanoar Hatsioni -Belgium and Meir Panim. 165 children, aged 11 to 17, accompanied by their head counselor Segev Harris, who is a shaliach from the Noar Hatsioni, arrived at Meir Panim - Power of Giving in Jerusalem.

Given the fact that Power of Giving set up a huge center for assisting the Tsunami victims in Asia, our warehouse was filled to capacity with donations from generous Jerusalemites. This gave the children the opportunity to help people in Israel and abroad.

After an introduction and a brief description of our activities, the children headed straight to work at 5 different workshops.

One group was invited to prepare meals at Meir Panim's kitchen, which included peeling and cutting vegetables. Another group was responsible for packaging dry foods in boxes which are destined to needy elderly and new immigrants in Israel. Part of those boxes will also be shipped to victims of the Tsunami disaster.

Others filled boxes with kitchen utensils, including pots, pans, cutlery and dishes. The boxes will be sent to South-East Asian victims.
The fourth group neatly folded and arranged warm winter blankets for the needy.

A sense of solidarity permeated the air. The children came to realize how important it is for our communities to unite in order to help Israel's and in this case-the world's- less fortunate.

The children, who truly impressed us with their maturity and outstanding behavior, kept on expressing how wonderful they felt helping out in such a meaningful way.

At the end of this inspiring morning, we thanked the children profusely and invited them to keep in touch with Israel and Meir Panim

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By just opening our hearts, we are not completely helpless in the face of natural disasters. Under this premise, "ynet" and the "Power of Giving" organization, together with other volunteer organizations, government offices and the "Tiran Shipping Company", have launched an operation in which "ynet" surfers throughout Israel can contribute money and vital goods to survivors of the terrible natural catastrophe in Southeast Asia. Collection stations for supplies and dry goods have been open since Saturday night throughout Israel, and dozens of volunteers are waiting for "ynet" surfers to lend a hand.

Sometimes it takes a Divine Force to remind the human race of its priorities

An impressive and well-attended ceremony took place this past Monday evening, Dec. 27, 2004, officially commemorating the "Meir Panim-Gan Shoshana" food center in Kiryat Malachi in honor of the late Mrs. Rosalie Shoshana Landesman Katchen, of blessed memory.

One of the speeches associated the name "Gan Shoshana" ( literally "rose garden") with the song "I never promised you a rose garden" written by Yehonatan Gefen. In his words of greeting, the chairman of "Meir Panim", Dudy Zilbershlag noted that perhaps in today's reality, we are unable to promise a rose garden to needy people and the lower echelons of Israeli society. However, "Meir Panim", in the merit of its food centers and its services for needy people throughout Israel, does indeed promise a rose garden, in the figurative sense.

Members of the Millen Family, Rabbi Henoch and Dr. Rochelle Landesman Millen from Columbus, Ohio, a community known for its love of Israel and philanthropy, made a significant contribution to the Kiryat Malachi branch of "Meir Panim" that has been serving for the past two years as a supplementary welfare services center. The branch includes a large restaurant which serves a nutritious hot meal to about 300 diners daily and delivers an additional 250 hot meal portions to the homes of housebound elderly and handicapped individuals, in cooperation with the city welfare services. In addition, "Meir Panim" distributes another 1,300 hot meal portions to underprivileged children learning in schools and kindergartens with a full day curriculum. Adjacent to the restaurant is the "Power of Giving" center which collects second hand home equipment from families throughout Israel and then repairs and distributes them to needy families, immigrants and soldiers living in Israel without their families.

The Millen Family chose to dedicate the center in memory of their sister, Rosalie Shoshana, who inspired others with her personal example of compassion, benevolence and hospitality as she filled her days with helping others.

The ceremony was graced with the presence of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yonah Metzger, the Mayor of Kiryat Malachi , Mr. Moti Malka, the Rabbi of Kiryat Malachi, Rav Yarobelski, the representative of the Claims Committee in Israel, Mr. Avraham Pressler (who also supports the ongoing activities of the branch), representatives of the National Insurance Institute, Mr. Gershon Barnai and Mrs.Ziva Sagi, the community Rabbi of Boca Raton, Rabbi Yekutiel Brander, and dozens of family members and friends.