During the war with Iran, The Fellowship spoke with many people across Israel whom we have helped during this time of conflict. One of the reasons our efforts are so successful is that The Fellowship partners with and supports organizations focused on poverty relief and security across Israel. One of these partners is the Meir Panim soup kitchen. Shortly before the ceasefire with Iran, Fellowship staff met with Shulamit, who has volunteered there for 15 years.
She says, “The people who come to Meir Panim to receive food and vegetables are the elderly, Holocaust survivors, and families who are struggling. There are so many people in need in Dimona—people who need food, shelter, and basic support. This is where The Fellowship makes such a difference. Through their support, the soup kitchen provides not only food, but also staples such as cleaning supplies, clothing, shoes, books, and items for children. People come here hungry, and they receive a hot meal, cooked food, fruit—things that truly sustain them. It helps so many people, and they deeply appreciate it.”
When an Iranian missile struck the area during the war, everything changed in an instant. The neighborhood was devastated by a massive explosion. Windows were shattered, walls and ceilings collapsed, and homes became uninhabitable. When Shulamit and the other volunteers arrived at the soup kitchen, they found it in chaos. The building had been damaged, and the food in storage had been ruined. There was no way they would be able to operate that day.
But thanks to The Fellowship staff coming to their aid, the Meir Panim soup kitchen was able to reopen the very next day, even as cleanup efforts continued.
Shulamit said, “The very next day, despite the destruction, we resumed distributing food. Some people cleaned, others prepared meals—but we understood that we cannot stop. If we stop, people will go hungry. Families, elderly, Holocaust survivors, even babies depend on this place. The Fellowship’s support makes it possible for us to continue—it is like a lifeline for the community. We cannot stop, because people depend on us. We have to keep providing, keep showing up, and keep helping – no matter what.”
No one was killed in the attack—a miracle from heaven, as Shulamit described it. She said that she and the other volunteers will continue showing up and serving their community no matter what. She also shared her deepest gratitude.
“To all the Christians in the United States and everyone who supports The Fellowship, I want to say, ‘thank you’. We would like to thank you so much from the depths of our hearts. Your support allows us to continue this vital work. Please, don’t stop. We need you. We love you. We want you. Whatever you do, don’t stop, because we are here and we need you. Without you, we don’t know what we would do.”
“The generous will themselves be blessed for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).
