NYC Fund Brings Safety To Israel's War-Torn Sderot

WCBSTV.com
May 14, 2009

http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/945/nyc-fund-brings-safety-to-israels-war-torn-sderot

The violence of war is never far from the minds of the people who live in Sderot. Less than a mile from Gaza, the region, in the southern district of Israel, knows suffering firsthand. CBS 2's Mary Calvi got a close-up view of a community that refuses to give up hope for a lasting peace.

"This area has been bombarded by rocket fire launched in the hills in Gaza. For those who live in Sderot, the threat is constant and the fear is endless," Calvi said during her tour of the region.

Since a cease fire agreement in January, nearly 200 rockets and mortar shells have been fired into Sderot and neighboring communities. One struck Wednesday. Thousands of times over eight years, the sirens have sounded in this town warning of an incoming rocket. Nine-year-old Neev Amoyal told Calvi he's heard the sirens ringing "many" times, warning of violence that has everyone running for cover.

For Neev and so many other children in Sderot, a house attacked by rocket fire has become a common sight.

One family whose house was destroyed fortunately survived the attack, but moved out of town too fearful to return. The children here have the same fear.

"It's scary," Neev tells Calvi, saying the rocket hitting her house is her greatest concern. But there is at least one place where she doesn't feel trapped by the violence. This week the Jewish National Fund based in Manhattan opened a secured, $1.5 million fortress there made for children.

"No matter where you are you're 15 seconds from a safe area," said Zelig Chinitz of the Jewish National Fund.

If a siren sounds, the children race to one of the many safe rooms within the indoor playground.

"This is the place we go when we hear [sirens]," Neev explained. "Here, I can relax."

An escape from the fear outside, at least for the moment. Inside the children can jump, climb, even learn a new dance. Most importantly, they can be kids, and be protected from danger.

Wednesday's rocket attack was the first in weeks. Those who live here are in constant hope that a resolution can be reached.

The Pope wraps up his historic weeklong visit to the Holy Land on Friday. Stay with wcbstv.com and CBS 2 for continuing coverage of his travels.

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