Once again, the people of Israel were forced to relive the fear and tension of war. The recent attack from Iran shook the entire country as missiles flew overhead and alarms rang out across cities and towns. While many rockets were intercepted, some reached their targets, causing serious damage and taking the lives of 29 civilians. Daily life came to a sudden stop as schools shut down, streets emptied, and families took shelter, trying to protect their children from both physical danger and emotional shock.
In Sderot, the situation was even more painful. This city, located just a few kilometers from the Gaza border, has lived under constant threat for years. Its children have grown up surrounded by sirens, explosions, and emergency drills. Many of them have never known a different reality. From a very young age, they have learned to identify the sound of a rocket, to run quickly to the nearest shelter, and to live in a constant state of alert. According to recent studies, more than 80 percent of children in Sderot show symptoms of post-traumatic stress, including insomnia, anxiety, emotional instability, and chronic fear that intensifies with each new round of violence.
What they experience is not a temporary fear but a deep and lasting emotional wound. Each new conflict reopens old scars, making it harder for these children to find peace, sleep well at night, or enjoy simple things like playing outside without fear.
Wanting to give them a break from this painful routine, we organized a special trip for the children of Sderot, a day filled with laughter, lightness, and the chance to simply be children again. We took them to a water park where they could run freely, play with their friends, and forget the weight they carry every day. It was a simple idea, but one with powerful impact.
That day was more than just fun. It was a step toward healing. We watched them smile, laugh out loud, and let go of their fear, even if only for a few hours. One young boy told us, “This is the first time in a long time that I didn’t think about rockets,” while another child said softly, “I wish every day could be like this.” These small moments of joy reminded us how vital it is to protect not just their bodies, but also their hearts and minds.
After so many hard days, this small break felt like a healing touch, and we could see it in their faces; there was relief, there were smiles, and a kind of joy that hadn’t shown up in a long time.
We believe that healing also includes the soul, not just the body, and that walking alongside the most vulnerable in their pain reflects God’s heart, and that’s why we want to keep being close to those who need it most in Sderot, and we invite you to be part of this with your prayers and support.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3