After meeting with a few organizations and key people in Sderot, Connections Israel has decided to direct funds towards a wonderful new program called Shabbat Shalom. The goal of this project is to empower the families of Sderot. “It is better to give than to receive.” Shabbat Shalom enables the residents of Sderot to give instead of only receive.

Each month, hundreds of individuals and families request to visit Sderot. While the Sderot community is warm and welcoming, they are unable to financially support the large numbers of people who want to come and show their support.

Currently 100-150 individuals are being hosted every Shabbat in Sderot and the plan is to increase this number by 1/3. In other words, an additional 30 families from around the country will now be hosted by local families for Shabbat!

Hosting a family is complicated as well as financially taxing when taking into account the depressed economic situation of the area. To address this demand, an eight room complex will be rented and refurbished in order to house these Shabbat guests in addition to the home hospitality already available.

Also, each host family will receive a voucher that will be redeemable in the local stores to cover the additional food costs for Shabbat meals. The indirect benefit to this is the way in which it boosts the local economy, in addition to enabling the local residents to give to others.

During Shabbat, the visitors will be exposed to the people and the community while having the opportunity to attend lectures and engage in various other educational and cultural programs.

This program has already been piloted in one area of the community. Participants in this pilot project have reported an increase in self esteem, something positive to look forward to, and renewed strength and conviction to remain in Sderot. Now, not only individual families will be able to participate in this project, but entire communities will be able to come as a group.

This will help new friendships to develop and reciprocal invitations to be extended.

Connections Israel will play a major role in supporting this program for the next 12 months.

Even from a distance, you can be a part of Shabbat Shalom and participate in the mitzvah of Hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests. The cost of hosting one family is $150.

All donations are greatly appreciated!  - Click here to sponsor a family!