Sderot in Crisis

Sderot is located a mere kilometer from the Gaza Strip.  More than 5,000 Kasam rockets and mortar shells have been launched from Gaza into Sderot and the surrounding area since 2001.  Once a rocket has been launched, area residents hear a “color red” alert. From that moment they have at most 15 seconds to find cover. 

Most homes are not structurally protected from rockets and can not withstand a direct hit although they provide minimal protection and an illusion of safety. But when people are away from home during a rocket attack, many can not find or reach cover in time and must endure the shelling outside, crouched under benches or against the sides of buildings. 

The Kasam rockets have brought death, extensive physical damage and many physical and emotional injuries to Sderot. The shelling is indiscriminate;  rockets have fallen on schools, daycare centers and playgrounds.  People have been injured or killed while in their cars, their homes and in the street. Businesses have been damaged, both directly - by falling rockets – and indirectly – by Sderot’s now failing economy.  Daily activities are interrupted not once but many times, and everyone must live with high levels of uncertainty, continual anxiety, stress and fear.

There is no “band-aid” or quick fix for this situation.

A study conducted by Natal (the Center for Emotional Support in Times of Stress and Trauma Caused by Terror) and published in 2007 found that more than 50% of Sderot’s residents suffer from symptoms of post-trauma.  In 28% of those surveyed, these symptoms include functioning poorly in school, dysfunctional family relationships, poor parenting, and more.  Sderot’s rates of crime, substance abuse and divorce have risen sharply.

Since 2001, the cycle of rocket attacks includes daily attacks on the city and, every few months, an intense barrage when dozens of rockets are launched every day and hundreds fall on the city every week.  Every period of intensification further rocks the stability of the city and its residents. An Israeli newspaper, “Yediot Achronot,” surveyed Sderot’s residents in December of 2007 and reported that 64% of Sderot’s residents said they would leave the city if they could.  More than 10% of Sderot’s families have already left, mostly those who were from the financially stronger and better educated populations in the city. 

Gvanim Association was founded in 1994, long before eruption of  this ongoing security crisis.  Today Gvanim is among the leaders of our region’s social frontier, operating more than 30 programs in Sderot for disadvantaged populations and serving more than 2,500 residents every day.  Gvanim employs about 280 people, most of whom live in Sderot or in other communities near Gaza. With our families, we must face the daily terror of rocket attacks but remain committed to helping others in need. 

How can you help?

In response to the security crisis, Gvanim needs to add professional staff and strengthen programs, provide counseling for staff who support those in trauma, and add structural protection to buildings where activities are held.  Your donations will ensure that these necessary actions will happen now, when they are most needed, helping Sderot’s civilians in this period of unavoidable crisis and suffering.