Who you will help

Kibbutz Kissufim, a beautiful area surrounded by green fields, groves, orchards, and carpets of anemones during the winter season. The Kibbutz was founded in 1951 by a cohort of youth movement members from the United States and South America. Devastatingly, on October 7th, 16 members were murdered by Hamas, three kidnapped and dozens were injured. Following the horrific day, after many residents stayed in hiding for over 12 excruciating hours, they were evacuated to the Noga Hotel near the Dead Sea. The brutal terrorist attack left profound scars among the members of the community, significantly affecting the children and youth: many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and academic and social challenges. They are receiving temporary welfare and health services. They have set up a self-run daycare and school schedule to try and create routine for the children. As much as possible, they are doing what they can to remain resilient and focus on what needs to be done to return home.

Your donation will fund

An outdoor playground will serve as a recreational gathering spot for individuals of all ages, crucial for physical wellness, boosting mood, alleviating anxiety and depression, enhancing sleep and managing stress. The park will promote adventure and exercise, bolstering both the physical and mental well-being of community members of all ages and fitness levels.

Location

Kissufim is a kibbutz in the Eshkol Region, close to Gaza in the north-west part of the Negev.

About Kissufim

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 unlivable. The residents have painfully assessed the damage and identified the most critical rebuilding projects. But the Israeli people are resilient, and they have the support and love from the Jewish Diaspora in Canada with them! 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.