The Or Akiva branch is located in a campus between two floors. Before we begin to describe the branch itself, however, we must mention the lush lawns outside. The entire area is filled with green squares. In the plaza outside the building, one can already feel the beauty of the kindness taking place inside.
Meet the one and only Ilanit Haputa – Or Akiva’s branch manager. Ilanit is a professor in kindness. One cannot meet Ilanit and not immediately notice the sheer goodness pouring out of her. You cannot speak to her without being interrupted after a few minutes by another teenager who needs her. Ilanit serves as the mother and father to countless children and teenagers. She holds their hands – physically and figuratively. Every person in need knows whom to turn to in Or Akiva. The Or Akiva Meir Panim branch serves as the address for every request – in times of distress, and in times of joy as well.
Along with her volunteers, Ilanit cooks delicious, nutritious food. In the afternoon, the visitors will begin to stream in to enjoy a kind word while preparing trays filled with quality food and packaging separate meals for the children back home. Ilanit always knows which word to offer. The branch is her baby; everything begins here. Ask anyone in Or Akiva who the city’s mother is, and the answer will always be: Ilanit Haputa.
Ilanit also manages the afternoon clubs with the art of an educator. Every child receives personal attention, as though he were her own son. Parties and birthdays are not just another event – every party is a personal, well-invested affair, and every child receives a personalized birthday cake, his name spelled out in frosting on the glaze.
The city residents’ love for Meir Panim is famous. Even the police and municipality know where to turn with every request they receive.
Branch address: Or Akiva – Balfur 17
Branch manager: Mrs. Ilanit Haputa
