Circumstances in Israel, particularly in Sderot

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. Circumstances in Israel and particularly in Sderot are not good. Sderot’s population of 24,000 is a melting pot, with Ethiopian, Moroccan, Persian, and Russian Jews, and many secular, traditional, and Orthodox Jews all trying to live in harmony. Sderot is a typical town in the Negev, a border outpost less than three miles from the Gaza Strip, and is always under attack. Even now Kassam terrorist rockets continue to land in the town of Sderot.

Sderot is still an ongoing target of terrorist Kassam rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. The residents are afraid; it is difficult for the adults to go to work; children are fearful of going to school. The children represent the future and growth of Israel. Even carrying on with the basic necessities of life is fraught with danger.

The citizens of Sderot encounter very grim hardships every day, and it is vital that help be given to these brave, struggling people.

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I have been involved with the Sderot for nearly 10 years through sponsoring children and helping people in need.

As a Holocaust survivor, I feel it is my duty to help out and extend support to these families of Sderot so that they can raise educated, upstanding, and self-supporting strong Israeli citizens.

There is a special yeshiva in the town called the Hesder Yeshiva of Sderot. The students combine their school studies with service in the Israeli Defense Forces, the backbone of the country. These students represent the future and strength of Israel.

The increased defense spending requirements and cuts in government funding for educational and social services have increased the financial strain for so many. More and more students and families have to rely on outside help for educational and basic food needs.

I believe that the greatest mitzvah is to reach out to those in need. I implore people to give generous support to the yeshiva and the community of Sderot by sending contributions to American Friends of Yeshivat Hesder Sderot, 49 Dakota St., Passaic, NJ, 07055.

We must all stand strong and stand together in support of Israel.