As the world braces for another summer of flotillas attempting to break the Gaza blockade, the US government has issued warnings and noted recent seizures by both Israel and Egypt of all types of weapons and ammunition bound for Gaza. Although mortar fire from Gaza into Sderot has decreased dramatically, the fact that it still occurs on a monthly basis, something not widely reported, is unfathomable to the average citizen of a free country. Such, however, are the harsh realities of life in Sderot.

With this background, it is easy to understand why more than three quarters of the population of Sderot suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; why children have difficulty enjoying their summer vacation; why the social welfare roster of families in distress continues to climb; why parents, struggling to put food on the table, can’t even think about planning a bar mitzvah.

Connections Israel has promised not to forget the children of Sderot!
With your generous support we celebrated the bat mitzvah of 31 girls in winter. Please help us now to do the same for a group of young men about to become bar mitzvah.

All participants of the Sderot group bar mitzvah program are children whose families are on public assistance with multiple presenting problems. Without you, there will be no smiling memories of this milestone occasion. Help us to help them! From supplying religious articles, to a group celebration, the group bar mitzvah creates memories that last a lifetime and smiles that light up the darkness of their daily lives.
See for yourself on our YouTube channel.

If you are celebrating a simcha, please consider sharing it with the Sderot group bar mitzvah project; looking for a tax deduction, the Sderot group bar mitzvah project provides the perfect vehicle; searching for  a worthwhile recipient for your tzedaka money – these boys certainly qualify. Whatever the reason, please consider making a donation towards the Sderot group bar mitzvah program today!

While we are focusing our efforts on the children of Sderot this summer, rest assured that we offer ongoing support to thecourageous men and women protecting our country by serving in the IDF. At present, the Navy, Navy Seals and Commando units are on high alert given the potentially explosive situation at sea; the army is on general alert given the constant breaching of northern borders; other units are preparing for disruptive events that we have been warned will target our airport.

Schools, synagogues, communities and individuals are urged to consider adopting a unit, saying tehillim for individuals on active duty (we can supply you with names),building a relationship with one of the hundreds of lone soldiers serving here etc. Contact us, and together we will create a mutually beneficial project.

May your acts of loving-kindness toward a fellow Jew be rewarded tenfold.

Sincerely,
The Connections Israel Team

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