Operation Protective Edge began on July 8, 2014, in an effort to put an end to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel. During the war, the communities immediately surrounding Gaza had just 15 seconds to race to a bomb shelter when a siren sounded. At one point, more than 80,000 reservists had been mobilized. Virtually every Israeli family knew someone who was serving. Israelis remain glued to their phones, TVs and radios. Occurring in the middle of the summer vacation, the offensive had a huge impact on daily life. Day camps were closed, tourism was down, and shopping centers and places of entertainment were deserted. By the end of August, more than 4,500 rockets and mortars had been fired into Israel. 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians had been killed. The battle continues, as soldiers who were physically injured and psychologically affected fight to recover. For many, life will never be the same again.
Israel under Attack
Sderot has been partnered with UJA Federation of Greater Toronto for almost a decade. Located just one kilometer from the Gaza Strip, it has been under relentless missile fire for 14 years. Sderot is, unfortunately, very used to coping with emergency situations and has become a symbol of the region's remarkable resilience. It has hundreds of kassam-proof areas across the town – in homes, public buildings and even school playgrounds. Support was also extended to the kibbutzim of Sha’ar Hanegev – the region surrounding Sderot – which suffered grievous losses during the war.
Be’er Sheva and Bnei Shimon –
which are 40 kilometers from the Gaza border – are partnered with Federation CJA Montreal. Unaccustomed to the relentless barrage of rockets which hit the region, both Be’er Sheva and Bnei Shimon are less prepared for emergencies. Many homes and apartment do not even have bomb shelters