Residents from Sderot were given the opportunity to leave town for what the mayor’s office called a “time to refresh”.  The thing is, it has become anything other than a time of refreshing.

Over crowded hotels with scared people, not knowing what tomorrow will bring for them, where they will live when the city funded money is gone. The prospect of living in “tent city” without bomb shelters or any real privacy for them is terrifying; all they want to do is go back home, but are afraid to.

With four or more people in a one room hotel room, the experience is beginning to take its toll. Husbands and wives are at each other’s throats, kids are acting up in response to their parents’ stress. One person told us their marriage is over. There is no end in sight to this nightmare; just one “boom” after another.

Some hotels that were once serving top notch buffets have been reduced to hot dogs and french fries for dinner.

 

Life here in Sderot has also changed and I wonder if and when it will ever be “normal” again. In one respect that answer is NO. Once the border was breached and terrorists massacred innocent men woman and children, that reality will be added to our already reality of Kassam rocks, and that’s a big one.

Yes, even though we are still walking our dog and going shopping, most of the other stores, shops and restaurants are closed. For items you can’t get here, you have to travel to cities on either side of us and even there, many of the shops and stores are closed, although there were a few fast-food places open.

The life of the city has changed and in some respects is gone. The police station is gone, homes destroyed, the concerts in the park have stopped. There are so many things that have changed. Going to the bakery for a cup of coffee and a hot croissant with my wife was a special time for us but

now, the new bakery has not been opened since this all started and who know how long the owner can hold on with no income?

Our government says that when this is all over, Gaza will be what it was fifty years ago. I can’t help to think Sderot will also suffer repercussions from this war as well.

The current mayor has spent the past eight years building and beautifying Sderot, which has turned into a beautiful city. Its sad to think all that hard work will be destroyed, or damaged and that we may not be able to recover from this.

 In the meantime, we will, with your continued help and support, do what we can to help the people of Sderot in every way we can. Our food shopping continues for those who can’t get out, hot meals were delivered for Shabbat and stranded pets fed.

Some of you have made enormous sacrifices for us and I will never be able to express our gratitude to you. With all my heart THANK YOU!

Last night was very loud and long, as artillery fired one after another. It started just before Shabbat started and lasted until almost midnight. There in the mix were several “Tseva Adom” alarms and the accompanying booms.

We pray for a quiet night, for safety for our residents and our soldiers and for peace and harmony between husbands and wives and their families.

Thank you again for your love and support!