Holocaust Survivors Struggle to Survive in War-Time Israel
During the High Holidays, Meir Panim rallies to support the generation that remembers what it means to be hunted
It's been nearly eight decades since they endured the horrors of Nazi Europe, but for thousands of Holocaust survivors in Israel, the trauma has never truly ended. And since October 7th, and after the intense Iran war, many are reliving it.
Most of Israel's 123,000 survivors were children during the Holocaust. They know what it means to hide, to go hungry, to live in fear. Today, many are elderly, fragile, and unable to run when the sirens wail. These sirens have become a regular, if underreported, feature of life in Israel since the most recent wave of conflict. "For many of them, it's like history is repeating itself," says Mimi Rozmaryn, Director of Global Development at Meir Panim.
As the cost of living soars, and pensions fail to stretch far enough, thousands of seniors – including Holocaust survivors – rely on Meir Panim for basics. Every day, they receive hot, home-delivered meals. Every Tuesday, they pick up free fruit and vegetables, and before Rosh Hashanah, they also received festive food boxes, prepaid grocery cards, and invitations to community holiday meals at some of Meir Panim's branches.
Enormous challenges
The past year has brought staggering challenges: war, displacement, skyrocketing inflation, and cuts to social services as government resources are diverted to defense. According to the Taub Center, Iranian strikes have caused over $2 million in damage, while the broader economic toll on Israel has topped $6 billion.
Against this backdrop, Meir Panim has expanded its reach dramatically, with over 600,000 hot meals delivered in 2025 alone; 100,000+ care packages of food, blankets, and essentials; and thousands of prepaid grocery vouchers.
Above all, Meir Panim is helping Holocaust survivors age in place – with dignity, care, and continuity. "We know that staying in their homes is key to their long-term health and happiness," says the organization. "And we're doing everything we can to make that possible."
About Meir Panim
Meir Panim is a leading Israeli charity organization dedicated to alleviating poverty and hunger throughout the country. Established in 2000, Meir Panim operates a network of free restaurants, food distribution centers, and social welfare programs that provide essential support to thousands of Israelis in need.
With the outbreak of war in October 2023, the organization expanded its core mission to include Israel's soldiers and displaced families from the north and south, providing them with meals, food packages and other necessary items.
Help honor their resilience. Support Meir Panim by donating online at > Meir Panim, by phone at 877-736-6283, or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim, 88 Walton Street, Suite B1, Brooklyn, NY 11206. All U.S. donations are tax-deductible under EIN #20-1582478.
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