You are undoubtedly familiar with the events that transpired on October 7th, 2023. Every news source, social media outlet, and college campus is filled with a storm of opinions regarding the war. If, in contrast to most Americans, you are familiar with Israel’s history, then you know that October 7th is the latest in a series of violent conflicts. War is humanity’s oldest hobby, and in times of war, it is children who suffer the most. The effects of trauma in childhood can last a lifetime, but you can help mitigate that trauma for Israeli children.

Due to frequent rocket attacks, Israeli citizens are forced to hide in bomb shelters. Many homes in Israel have a reinforced room for protection in the event of rocket fire. There are also multiple shelters in any given public space. These shelters are often bare and cramped. Only those who live in privately owned homes have the opportunity to outfit their safe rooms with toys, books, and furniture. Too often, shelters are uninviting to Israeli children. Safe areas should feel safe, which is why I ask that you donate money to the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center.

Sderot is a town in Israel, located just one mile from Gaza’s border. The area has seen an exponential increase in rocket fire since October 7th. The Sderot Indoor Recreation Center doubles as both a play area and a shelter. Because of this, the center succeeds where regular shelters fail. Israeli children deserve to feel protected during rocket fire. The Sderot Indoor Recreation Center provides a much-needed sense of safety, in contrast to cramped public shelters.

My goal is to raise $5,000 in donations to help maintain the indoor playground. I’ll admit, my goals aren’t purely selfless. I was originally drawn to the project to meet the criteria for a scholarship to Alexander Muss High School in Israel. I wholeheartedly believe that studying abroad will be an incredible learning experience, and I started this work for the opportunity to study in Israel. However, I have come to realize the true value of this project. No child in America is regularly subjected to terrorist attacks. No American child has to hide in a bomb shelter. What is inconceivable to American parents is basic reality for Israeli parents. No amount of money will change the fact that shelters are necessary in Israel. This project focuses on making the most of Israel’s current reality. Rather than funding the war effort, I want to emphasize helping Israel heal. Fostering a sense of safety and community in spite of ongoing rocket attacks will have an immense impact on children affected by the war.