OPERATION PROTECTIVE EDGE

While the sirens wailed outside . . . children watch a movie in a shelter in Netivot

A few days ago, I made a brief telephone call to the ESRA Bookstore in Raanana, hoping that you might have a few books to donate to the children in the bomb shelters in the South.

My wife and I have lived in Raanana since 1986, but we are particularly tied to the South as three of our married children and most of our grandchildren are part of a group of people based around a “hesder” yeshiva that settled in Netivot. Our oldest son and family have been in Netivot for ten years. Our two daughters and families have been there for six years.

The children in the South are on summer break and due to the many incoming rockets are spending a large amount of their time in bomb shelters, many in public shelters. The Department of Informal Education of the City of Netivot, headed by Natan Rubin, has organized a large group of volunteers to help in the shelters. These volunteers are moving from shelter to shelter, leading activities with the children from crafts to films and educational programs. Nathan’s department is also organizing meals for the house-bound elderly as well as providing hygienic products and supplemental food (1500 sandwiches on one evening) for soldiers at camps along the border.

We are raising funds and collecting products for these various needs. The L’chu Neranena Tzedaka Fund has partnered with us and has funded a number of projects. These include three projection systems, each including a digital projector, computer and speakers, a gas generator system for quickly recharging many telephones at one time, a theatrical performance in a public shelter for 150 children and parents by the Aspaklaria group from Jerusalem as well as various other projects.

Meatland in Raanana has also partnered with us as a pick-up point for products from their store and from other sources. Their employees loaded my truck up the other day. Much of the shipment was donated by the store itself.

Other wonderful people and organizations have also brought many fine gifts, but when I came to pick up the one or two boxes of used books that the ESRA bookstore had kindly promised, I was surprised to be greeted by a half dozen proud and smiling volunteers who had put together a truckload's worth of toys, games and children's books donated generously by ESRA members.

Moshe Kwart loads the truck in Raanana with the help of volunteer Esther Rabinowitz. Pictured in the background is Judy Copeland, manager of ESRA’s Beit Fisher

Many hearts have been warmed by the tremendous outpouring of generosity and unity. The very kind people at ESRA have definitely done their part. Thank you so very much.

Warmest regards and many thanks,

Moshe Kwart

Raanana

m.kwart@gmail.com

054 227 0527

Comment - September 2018

Please note: The above campaign collecting for children and soldiers was during the period of the Tzuk Eitan War, July-August 2014. We are not collecting at this time.I must add that I still warmly remember the tremendous outpouring of gifts that came through ESRA and the kindness of the volunteers in the ESRA Bookshop in Raanana. Wishing you a Happy New Year,

Moshe

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