Concrete shelters needed
"These communities live under the daily threat of rockets and unfortunately, they are not fully protected," said UIA Victoria CEO Peter Horovitz.
United Israel Appeal (UIA) Victoria is launching a Kol Nidrei Appeal to fund a network of concrete mobile shelters for heavily populated communities in Israel’s south and north, under its new Concrete Promise program.
“These communities live under the daily threat of rockets and unfortunately, they are not fully protected,” said UIA Victoria CEO Peter Horovitz. “The urgent deployment of concrete-cast mobile protective shelters throughout the streets of these communities will enable residents to take cover in seconds.
“Now as this war continues into its 11th month and rockets are fired from both Gaza and Lebanon, it’s a promise that needs to be laid in concrete. That is why, in partnership with The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), we are spearheading a mobile shelter project for the protection of our people in heavily populated cities and towns in Israel’s south and north.”
Horovitz said Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, located 10km south of Ashkelon, close to the border with the Gaza Strip, will be the first recipient of mobile shelters under the UIA-JAFI program.
Yad Mordechai is completing the construction of a technology centre for primary school students in the Gaza envelope region, and the operation of the school is dependent on ensuring the children’s safety. In addition to all the other security measures that are in place, two mobile bomb shelters are urgently needed to add a further layer of protection for these vulnerable children.
“When we say Am Yisrael chai, it’s not just a catch-cry, it’s a promise. UIA made a solemn commitment to stand by the people of Israel … This promise has been upheld since our inception over a century ago and it is a promise that has been further reinforced following the events of October 7.
“The provision of these shelters for the children at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai is urgent. And when we hear of an urgent need for the people of Israel, UIA steps up. We accept responsibility for our people. We hope you will join our Concrete Promise to the people of Israel these High Holy Days.”
All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information or to make a donation, visit uiaaus.net/kn or call 9272 5533.
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