A growing number of children in Sderot, a city located less than a mile from the Gaza Strip and frequently targeted by rocket attacks, continue to suffer from the emotional aftermath of these traumatic events, as reported in a study published by The Jerusalem Post. 40% of the children in this city experience symptoms of anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Over the past 20 years, terrorist groups like Hamas have launched thousands of rockets at Sderot, leaving a devastating impact on its population, especially the young ones. The effects of PTSD manifest in various ways in children, from separation anxiety to regression into behaviors typical of younger ages, difficulty sleeping, development of new fears, and anger issues.
The report by Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem highlights the ongoing impact of rocket attacks on civilians in cities near the Gaza Strip. Similar studies have revealed that 75% of children aged 4 to 18 in Sderot have suffered from PTSD.
“Our children don’t always express their feelings verbally. They show it through their behavior and developmental progress,” explains a psychologist from the hospital.
One of the first signs of the disorder is regression, where children exhibit behaviors typical of a younger age. For example, a child who was already potty-trained may revert to having accidents, using diapers, or speaking like a younger child.
A Day of Healing
In response to this situation, our City Of Life ministry has embraced the mission to help the children of our city, who represent the future of our country. With the desire to provide relief and comfort to their hearts, we have organized a special day of recovery at an amazing water park. In this space, children can relax, cool off, and enjoy massive pools and exhilarating water slides filled with adrenaline and fun.
For many of these children, this outing is a unique opportunity to escape the tense environment of Sderot, where the atmosphere of war is constant. Being able to have fun and interact with other children in a water park outside the city allows them to set aside their worries and stress generated by the insecure situation. It’s the only time throughout the year that allows them to forget about their pain and feel like any other “normal child.”
Throughout the day, we made sure each child enjoyed a delicious meal, surprises, and an abundance of fun. As the day came to a close, returning home on the buses, we witnessed happy but exhausted children, experiencing an unusual sense of peace. Undoubtedly, this will be a day they will remember throughout the year.
Parents expressed sincere gratitude, acknowledging that without this excursion, their children would not have had the opportunity to enjoy these precious moments of joy.
As a ministry, our mission is to bring hope and light to those in need. We understand the importance of reaching out to those who are suffering, and we are committed to making a positive impact on society.
Our work does not end here. We will continue striving to reach as many families as possible with our support and love. We firmly believe that every child deserves to grow up in an environment that fosters hope and resilience, even in challenging circumstances.
We invite you to join us on this journey of compassion and obedience to the Lord’s work. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children, empowering them with hope and strength as they face the future. Let us unite in our shared goal of bringing about positive change and extending a helping hand to those who need it most.
You can be part of and impact the lives of more people who need help in our city and together show them the way, the truth and the life.
We invite you to be part of our ministry so that together we can bring hope to our border town of Sderot.
Our work would not be possible without the help of partners like you, so we ask you to consider in prayer the possibility of a monthly commitment that will allow us to continue with the Lord’s work here in Israel.
Sincerely yours
Pastors
Michael & Dina Beener
and CLM Israel Team
“City of Life”
Messianic congregation and Outreach Center
Sderot, Israel.
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