Purim is a time of joy, celebration, and unity. But for thousands of Israeli children, joy has been replaced by fear, trauma, and uncertainty.
Since the devastating attacks of October 7th, their world has been turned upside down. Families have been displaced, loved ones lost, and the innocence of childhood stolen by war and terror.
Meet Sarah
A child who needs us this purim
Sarah is just 8 years old. Before October 7th, she was a lively, joyful child who loved Purim—dressing up as Queen Esther, packing Mishloach Manot, and laughing with friends. But this year is different. Her home in Sderot was destroyed in a rocket attack, and everything familiar to her disappeared in an instant. Her school was reduced to rubble. Her favorite playground is now an empty lot filled with dust and debris, and her family is too scared to move back home.
Sarah’s father, a reservist, was called to the frontlines and hasn’t been home in months. Her mother, overwhelmed with grief and worry, does her best to stay strong, but Sarah sees the sadness in her eyes. At night, Sarah wakes up crying, terrified of the sirens that still haunt her dreams. She asks her mother when things will go back to normal, but there are no easy answers.
Meir Panim has been there for Sarah and her family throughout the war, providing hot meals when her mother could not afford groceries, giving her a warm and safe place to play when her home was gone, and offering emotional support to help her cope with the trauma. We helped Sarah celebrate her eighth birthday with a special cake and toys, bringing a rare smile to her face in these dark times.
But the truth is, so much more help is needed.
Meir Panim’s Purim Mission
This Purim, Meir Panim is launching a nationwide effort to ensure that children affected by the war can still experience the magic of the holiday. Our goal is to provide:
Mishloach Manot packages
filled with treats, toys, and essentials to bring joy to displaced and struggling children.
Festive Purim celebrations
at all our branches, including costumes, games, and performances to restore a sense of childhood normalcy.
Special Purim meals
served at our restaurant-style soup kitchens and delivered to families in need.
Emergency support for families
ensuring that no child is left out of the holiday due to financial hardship.
We are committed to expanding our efforts, but we need your help. With increased demand and limited resources, we must work together to make sure every child in Israel experiences the joy of Purim and beyond.
This Purim, let’s give Sarah and thousands of children like her
a reason to smile again.
Every dollar counts
Your gift can change a child’s holiday
$54
Provides a full Purim meal for a child in need
$180
Sponsors a Mishloach Manot package for an entire displaced family
$500
Supports a Meir Panim children’s center with holiday activities and trauma relief
$1,800
Helps rebuild shattered lives with ongoing support for war-affected families
Israel has suffered unimaginable tragedy in the past 500 days. But as we begin to rebuild, our children must come first.
This Purim, be the hero they need.
Donate now and bring back the joy.
American Friends of Meir Panim is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, registered under EIN Number 20-1582478 Donations to American Friends of Meir Panim are Tax Deductible in the USA. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.