Who you will help
Kibbutz Kissufim, a beautiful area surrounded by green fields, groves, orchards, and carpets of anemones during the winter season. Devastatingly, on October 7th, 16 members of Kissufim were murdered by Hamas, three were kidnapped and dozens were injured. Following that horrific day, after hiding for over 12 excruciating hours, residents were evacuated to the Noga Hotel near the Dead Sea. The brutal terrorist attack left profound scars among the members of the community, especially the children and youth: many are suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and social challenges. Families are doing what they can to remain resilient and focus on what needs to be done to return home.
The terror attack left much of Kissufim destroyed. Homes, shelters, ambulances, community buildings, the chicken & dairy farm - all were subject to evil and deliberate destruction, with the goal of making Kissufim unliveable. The residents have painfully assessed the damage and identified the most critical rebuilding projects. Much of the work includes fortifying buildings - in Kissufim, when an alarm sounds, the time to reach the bomb-sheltered room is only about 6 seconds. This can be a source of stress and anxiety as people rush to find a safe space.
But...the Israeli people are resilient, and they have the support and love from the Jewish Diaspora in Canada with them.
Your donation will fund
The social club will be the heart of the community, a meeting place for all members. It will serve two purposes: First, it will be fortified against gunfire and missiles, providing a safe haven for kibbutz members during emergencies. Second, it will be the gathering place for various community events, meetings, lectures, and workshops. Socializing is an absolute necessity in the healing process, fighting isolation and anxiety, while fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Finding moments of joy during hardship is the ultimate symbol of resilience and a mitzvah for the Jewish people. The social club will be built within an existing building to minimize costs and construction time while ensuring accessibility and centrality.
Naming opportunities
Main Hall - $100,000
Games Room - $75,000
Sheltered Room - $50,000
Museum - $36,000
Archive - $36,000
To name the centre - $150,000
Location
Kissufim is in the Eshkol Region, close to Gaza in the north-west part of the Negev.