Across the country, Israeli families are once again living under the constant threat of rockets and missiles. In these moments, one factor determines survival more than any other: access to a bomb shelter.
Shelters save lives. Tragically, most civilians killed in recent weeks were not inside protected spaces. As Dimona’s mayor, Benny Biton, has emphasized, “A shelter is not infrastructure, it is the difference between a family surviving or not.” Families in Dimona, in the Negev region, have just 60 seconds to find a protected shelter.
But many communities don’t have enough. Our partners on the ground are already sending urgent requests to help build shelters and protected spaces. Shulamit, in Kiryat Shmona, shared, “We have 30 shelters and we need 300.” In her area on the Northern border, families have as little as 30 seconds to reach safety.
We have received urgent requests to help build shelters and protected spaces, and we know more requests are coming. We have launched a new Shelters Campaign to get as many shelters built as possible.
Communities that Need Your Help:
Tzfat, Northern Israel – transformation of 3 abandoned shelter spaces into "Etnachta" centers – protected, equipped community spaces in which children and families can participate in activities and remain during sirens. The central shelter is located under the "Tzohar LeTohar" school – an educational institution for children with physical and developmental disabilities.
Arad, Southern Israel – In this remote area, which was recently devastated by a missile hit, a community centre in the heart of city requires protected facilities. This centre offers classes for kids, programs for the elderly, family assistance and a soup kitchen. They need to place 2 shelters near their entrances of the centre, accommodating up to 60 people each, to continue providing essential services to the residents who depend on them.
Ashkelon, Southern Israel – since Oct 7, the city has received thousands of rockets with over 200 impact sites. In the Shimshon neighbourhood, thousands of residents do not have access to a shelter. The Burston Community Centre is requesting help to fortify 4 existing classrooms, and repair 3 existing shelters in disrepair. These spaces can serve hundreds in the area.
Tel Aviv, Central Israel – Located on the campus of the Sheba Medical Centre, the Rachashei Lev Family Support Centre faces dozens of alarms every week (sometimes even 4-5 in a single night). The centre is home to children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as their families who stay with them during treatment. It’s essential they have a protected shelter they can reach easily, and we are fundraising for 2 shelters, one on each floor of the care centre.
Be’er Sheva, Southern Israel – as recently as last week, Be’er Sheva sustained serious damage from rocket attacks, with many buildings and home destroyed. The city has identified 5 communal shelters that require extensive renovations. Older apartment buildings in poor neighbourhoods were not built with shelters, so residents need to run to public shelters to protection. We need to ensure that they have basic facilities such as working washrooms and air conditioning. During quiet times, these spaces continue to serve the community as spaces for educational programs.
Help Us Build These Shelters
Supporting bomb shelters is one of the most immediate and effective ways you can help. It provides a direct, measurable impact: when the next siren sounds, more of our extended family will have a safe place to go... and a better chance to survive.
We have more shelter requests coming in from partners. There are opportunities to fund your own shelter or contribute to one at various levels of recognition. Please contact your closest office to discuss these opportunities.
