Yesterday, half the group traveled together from Montreal. When we landed, we met up with the rest of our group. And then we were 50. We began our journey in Israel by heading straight to the border with Gaza, the city of Sderot.
Sderot is a hot spot. It's taken the brunt of much of the terror coming from Gaza. The city is located less than a kilometre away from Gaza, and over 13,000 missiles have landed in or near the city.
We had a chance to meet with Miri Eisen, a retired IDF Colonel, who gave us an understanding of the geopolitical situation and the legal ramifications of what is going on at the Gazan border and how Israel is trying to deal with it.
We saw workers building the underground wall that will prevent terror tunnels from penetrating Israel and we spotted an Iron Dome defence system.
We had an opportunity to visit the Chabad Centre of Sderot and meet with Rabbi Chananel Pizem, who is doing incredible work. He helps many families on a regular basis, and is currently building a soccer field to help the rehabilitation of children who are traumatized the missiles through sports.
We also heard from some residents who live in Sderot. They shared what life is like when you must always be near a safe room. One of them recalled the time they had to remain in their safe rooms for 15 hours straight.
We visited the College in Sderot, which is a very successful college with a strong law school. They showed us their vision and the direction law is headed in their future.
Despite the fact that it's on Israel's front line, the City of Sderot is booming. New buildings are going up, and new neighbourhoods are being built.
The spirit of the Jewish people of never bending or bowing is incredible. The Menorah in front of the Chabad House, made of 9 mortars and proudly displaying the words "Am Yisrael Chai" represents the spirit of the Jewish people here.
At Chabad of Sderot
The famous Menorah made from mortars
Right across from Gaza where over 13,000 rockets have been fired at Sderot
The gold structure in the distance in an Iron Dome
