Fraid visits Sha’ar Hanegev
JNF Australia president Ronit Fraid recently visited Sha'ar Hanegev, the site of the organisation's main campaign project this year to build 14 protected kindergartens.
JNF Australia president Ronit Fraid recently visited Sha’ar Hanegev, the site of the organisation’s main campaign project this year to build 14 protected kindergartens.
For many children and their families in the Sha’ar Hanegev region, safety is a constant concern as they learn to live under the threat of Hamas missiles from Gaza.
In May 2021 the violence escalated and a sophisticated missile hit a kindergarten. Thankfully it was closed at the time, but the incident highlighted the urgent need for safe play areas.
A statement commonly heard by residents is, “This region is absolute heaven on earth for 99 per cent of the time, but it is pure hell one per cent of the time. We must always be prepared for the one, but we are here for the 99 per cent.” Fraid said: “The ‘hell’ they speak of is heralded by the ‘tzeva adom’, the wailing sirens which warn of impending attacks from Gaza. The unpredictable rain of missiles and incendiary balloons that threaten to destroy the lives and wellbeing of the civilians, men, women and children of the region.”
This year’s JNF Gala project will provide beautiful outdoor learning and play areas for 14 kindergartens in the Gaza envelope. These playgrounds will provide children with safe and enriching environments to learn and play in, and will be next to heavily reinforced indoor spaces created by the army to protect the children as needed.
Fraid said: “There is no more important work that JNF Australia can do, than ensure the safety and peace of mind of the children and adults of the Gaza envelope, so they can grow and thrive in this magical land which is 99 per cent heaven.”
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