Suffering from psychological trauma and the financial burden of displacement, the residents of Sderot need your support.
On October 7, 2023, the city of Sderot, Israel, faced a brutal attack by Hamas that left the community in ruins. Sderot experienced an unprecedented level of violence when approximately Hamas terrorists invaded the city.
200 Hamas militants attacked the city. The attack resulted in numerous casualties among civilians and police officers, and the city’s police station was captured by Hamas. To put an end to the siege, Israeli forces had to use tank fire to demolish the building, end the siege, and destroy the terrorists.
As the war began, nearly all of Sderot’s 30,000 residents had to leave due to continuous rocket attacks. By mid-October, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had evacuated most residents. They were temporarily housed in hotels in places like Eilat, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea region, far from their homes and community.
Sderot, situated very close to the Gaza Strip, has been under the threat of missile attacks for more than two decades. This constant danger has had a profound psychological impact on its residents, leading to widespread symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially among children. The events of October 7th were particularly devastating, bringing an unprecedented level of trauma to the community and significantly affecting the mental well-being of its people.
The attack on October 7th has left a lasting mark on Sderot. The community, once vibrant and full of life, now grapples with the aftermath of horror and loss. The residents, displaced and traumatized, are striving to rebuild their lives while living under the constant threat of further attacks. They’ve lost loved ones, businesses, and major streams of income. Their homes have been damaged, and they are struggling to make it through each day.
Your support is more important than ever. Together, we can help Sderot recover financially and emotionally, ensuring a safer, brighter future for its residents and this incredible city.
Golima Family: Sgt. Maj. Shmuel Golima, a dedicated police officer, was called to duty on October 7th, leaving behind his family to protect his community. He was killed in the line of duty, defending Sderot from Hamas terrorists. Shmuel’s legacy of kindness and service is remembered by his wife Sima and their three children, who now face an uncertain future without his support.
Dina Hendler: Dina Hendler, a single mother of four, faced unimaginable terror when her home in Sderot was attacked. Forced to seek shelter, Dina and her children spent 15 hours in fear before they could escape. They temporarily relocated to Jerusalem but returned to Sderot, where they continue to live under the constant threat of rocket attacks. Dina works from home to support her children, but the emotional toll is significant.
Yitzhak and Lilach Maratzevka: On October 7th, the Maratzevka family spent over 25 hours in their safe room, surrounded by the sounds of gunfire and explosions, seeing terrorists outside their window. They had no choice but to flee to Tel Aviv, but not unharmed. Their home was damaged by shrapnel from rockets shot by Hamas. The psychological impact on Yitzhak and his family has been profound, particularly on the children who struggle with the trauma of that day, and the horrific scenes of of death and destruction that surrounded them.
The people of Sderot need your support now more than ever. The financial and emotional burdens faced by families are immense. Your donations can help cover essential expenses, provide much-needed psychological support, and restore a sense of security to these resilient individuals.
By standing with Sderot, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this tragedy, helping them to rebuild their homes and heal their hearts. Join us in supporting the community of Sderot as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating attack and work towards a brighter, safer future. Donate and show your solidarity with Sderot today.
Donate now to help them navigate this difficult period, ensuring they have the resources and emotional support necessary to heal and rebuild.
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*If fundraising for this project exceeds the financial needs of the project, Teach for Israel (israel365) reserves the right to use excess funds for its other charitable purposes.