Profile: David (Dudi) Zilbershlag is a respected public mediator, successful publisher of a renowned weekly newspaper in Israel, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Radio Kol Chai. In the course of his career, he has been active in conducting advisory seminars to companies interested in catering to the orthodox sector, advocating the strategic importance of having people from different factions with diverse levels of observance or background connect, communicate and create together. As an observant Jew, he has always been disturbed by the great split between the religious and secular camps, as well as the enormous gulf between the rich and poor. This ideology inspired him with the fundamental idea of launching a project built on cooperation; to create a bridge of tolerance and understanding, and generating a spirit of community among all types of Jews. Thus was launched Meir Panim, starting in 2000 with a fledgling soup kitchen in Jerusalem, and expanding into a network of fourteen relief centers countrywide within a span of five years.

In a society quick to stereotype, Dudi himself breaks all the molds. He served in the Israeli Defense Forces while remaining true to his heritage. One of his tasks was to act as a history guide for groups of soldiers. He did much more than that. While taking them on trips, he would intoxicate them with his love of the Land of Israel, teaching them about Zionism and their Jewish heritage. While touring with them across the country, he was intrigued by what he experienced. The places that impressed the soldiers most, were not necessarily the historical sites, but rather those places where concrete help and kindness was extended. The experience was invaluable to both him and the soldiers.

All qualities notwithstanding, Dudi Zilbershlag has a heart of gold and takes time out of his hectic schedule to give lectures and appear on radio shows and benefit concerts on behalf of the poor and needy. He speaks in a soft, mellow tone of voice, with a loving feeling of brotherhood emanating from his very being. Also regularly appearing on political television talk shows, he is articulate, intelligent, and extremely convincing. He was awarded the prestigious "2002 Globes Community Service Award" (Israel's #1 business publication) on behalf of Meir Panim, for his humanitarian contributions to society, adding to his long list of ingenious endeavors. Globes director Mr. Ami Even noted, not only does Meir Panim provide vital relief for the needy-it also builds a bridge of good will between the religious and secular camps in Israel. Mr. Zilbershlag accepted the award at an impressive ceremony attended by leading businessmen and other noted public figures.

However, beneath his confident demeanor, this man carries with him the sorrowful story of the loss of a child, a never-ending pain that he has managed to channel into and combine with the magnificent organization he established. He believes that a preordained chain of events in his life directed and prepared him towards this single goal - to establish the giant network of "Meir Panim"(named after his son Meir) and "Power of Giving-Koach Latet", creating a new benchmark in the dimension of charity and outreach and bringing the Jewish communities of Israel together. All the contacts he made in the media, links to the powerbrokers, as well as all the marketing expertise he developed over the years, ultimately came together and empowered him with the essential resources and professionalism to fulfill this purpose. Typical of the hopeful and resourceful Jewish spirit, Dudi and his wife Rivka rebounded with this wonderful organization keeping their son's name alive

Beginning of a Life's Project:
The gigantic project of Meir Panim, undertaken by Dudi Zilbershlag, involves much more than just another organization or two trying to find a solution to the genuine suffering in Israeli society. Nearly 22% of the Israeli population, including 720,000 children, is living at or near the poverty level. This indicates that one out of three children in Israel goes hungry every day. The harsh reality makes it difficult if not impossible for the government to expand on its welfare programs; instead, it survives on a seemingly endless agenda of budget cuts. Frequent acts of terror continue to take their grim toll on hundreds of families. The far-reaching effects of this difficult security situation have had a devastating impact on Israeli society, where many families can no longer access basic living staples. Many organizations addressing these needs already exist, but Dudi Zilbershlag brought with him an additional ideal to his work; the purely idealistic belief that he can alter the map of animosity and repair the rifts in Israeli society through the Mitzvah that unites us all.

Dudi Zilbershlag's vision has been realized beyond all expectations, through the creation of this spectacular breakthrough to combat hunger, accompanied by a strategy of maintaining the dignity of the poor and restoring their healthy self-image. To preserve the self-respect of those who use the soup kitchen, he calculated to provide only high-quality cuisine, served in an appealing and dignified setting. He also deliberately made sure to hire caregivers representing the colorful spectrum of society because he wanted everyone to feel at home. Moreover, by involving both the young and old, soldiers, prisoners, professionals and social workers in volunteering, it also serves to educate a new generation of givers with the purposeful ideal of the power of unity as a team toward a common cause, namely, the eradication of need and want in Israel.

Meir Panim has succeeded, as well, in promoting a global sense of unity among Jewish associations worldwide. Many delegations from the United States and Europe come to volunteer in the food centers, to express support for and solidarity with the people of Israel. The constant outpouring of kindness and support from people of all denominations whose souls are deeply touched by the plight of the poor in Israel is truly inspiring to behold.

Dudi Zilbershlag revolutionized the art of giving and charity on a massive scale, by founding and developing the remarkable network of Meir Panim & Power of Giving, creating an effective immediate solution to combat adversity in a land plagued by insecurity & economic hardship. Realizing his fervent dream, Meir Panim acts like a liaison connecting Jews from the four corners of the Earth with unconditional love and unprecedented Ahavat Yisrael, as well as promoting a global sense of responsibility towards their less fortunate brothers in Israel.

His theme - bold initiative, coupled with a sense of responsibility for one's fellow man compiled with faith in the One above… to value every single person… to look beyond the labels to the essence of each person as being good and holy… to shatter the divisions in Jewish life and empower each of us to make a difference! This is the driving force behind his vision.

Dudi Zilbershlag is both an innovator and achiever, a true Master in the Art of Giving, a Mitzvah Hero of our times. We are truly fortunate to have him as our role model; he is a shining example for us all

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