An uneasy calm...

"When I capture the image of a playground and a bomb shelter in the same photograph, I understand how what has become acceptable here is unique to the entire world" Noam Bedein

A little over a year ago Sderot was a differnt city. Rockets were falling regularly and the world noticed. Today it is mostly silent, and the world seems to have forgotten. If only the people of Sderot could forget and move on. Sadly the quiet is merely a moment in time, a lull between the last war and the next. A brief moment of respite and preparation while those that wish Israel harm rest and regroup.

The same kind of regrouping is going on in Sderot. I was amazed today at the amount of new construction happening in this quiet period. Sadly all the construction is in preparation for the next round of attacks. Homes are being retrofitted with bomb shelters and safe rooms, playgrounds are being built indoors, schools are being protected. Yet as always it is being done with beauty and grace.

One of our stops today was the Jewish National Fund (JNF) indoor playground. From the outside this building blends in with the industrial buildings around it, but once inside it is another story. What an amazing facility, they have thought of everything. We were given a tour by the manager and wow barely starts to explain the center. There is a climbing wall, rooms for birthday parties, a soccer field, video games, a computer room,a disco, a cafe, places for tea parties and playing house, exercise equipment and so much more. Beyond the fun there is also supportive services, a therapy area and tutoring services.

Placed in the most peaceful place this would be a wonderful center to hang out in and grow up in, but being it is in Sderot the thought that went into its design goes well beyond the interior. The whole building is designed with safety in mind. The roof is think and comprised of 360 tons of steel, every room is hardened and will stand up to the largest Grad rockets. Rooms have multiple enterances and exits to quickly move the over 400 children often there to safe rooms. Not one possible protection has been missed. It as awe enspriing from the architectural and engineering perspective as it is the educational and entertainment view.

After our visit to the playground we went to the Sderot Media Center, where Noam and his staff fight a different battle every day, that of knowledge. This small, 3 year old non profit organization is on the fore front of educating the world on the realities of living 1 mile from Gaza and how the terrorist activity within Gaza impacts the world as a whole.

I knew of Noam's work through Laura and we had spoken on FB, but was glad to finally meet this passionate man, so dedicated to his town and this cause.

For those that have been reading this blog since my last trip, Sderot is not a new topic, it is one dear to my heart and I was so grateful to Laura for helping me go back there today. If you have never heard of Sderot, please read back. If you haven't seen the movie Laura is working on about this amazing city please view her website  www.sderotmovie.com  and watch the trailer. This is an important piece of cinema and I can't wait for its release. If you are looking for a project to donate to, please consider this non-profit movie!!!!!

It is near and dear to my heart, and I am completely committed to doing all I can to see it gets the funding needed to come to life and help educate the world on the story of Sderot!