Recreation for Bnei Menashe children in Sderot.

By Rav David Lhungdim A few months after the October 7th incident, the residents of Sderot returned to their beloved city. A city that had been deserted and seemed to be a ghost town began to thrive again with the sound of children happily playing and the elderly walking the streets without fear once again.

We again applaud the contribution of the municipality of Sderot, particularly the mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi. The community of Bnei Menashe, with the assistance of the municipality, organized a recreation program for the elderly and children to lift their spirits.

Even though the community's annual budget had been depleted, the kind-hearted deputy mayor of Sderot, Chava Nachshonov, never gave up caring for the Bnei Menashe children, generously donating from her own pocket to make this event a reality.

On 28th of August, 2024, an event was held for Bnei Menashe children at community's museum located at Brit Arim 16, Sderot. We wish Rina Steinberg, the coordinator of the absorption department in Sderot, a great success, as it was her dream to bring back the smiles of the children who have suffered greatly from the tragedies of October 7.

The kids were really thrilled to see several exotic animals that Yakov Timshitz brought, including chickens, rabbits, chameleons, parrots, snakes, and more. Yakov Timshitz also explained the characteristics of each species to the kids.

The chairman of the absorption department, Rina Steinberg, expressed confidence about adding new courses for the Bnei Menashe in Sderot. In addition, we aim to create music classes for the kids and an open an ulpan (Hebrew language lessons) for the elderly in the upcoming months.

We must remember that our Sages of blessed memory taught us that the nation of Israel is like a sheep among wolves. This, however, should not detract us from our special mission as the chosen nation of G-d. The chosen nation has faced much hardship and anti-Semitism throughout generations; from the Egyptians, to the Babylonians, the Medes, the Persians, Greece, Rome, the Crusaders, the Inquisitors, the Nazis, and so on. And we have outlived all of them successfully.

As such, we should have complete faith in HaShem that we will also outlive every jihadist, including the Islamic dictatorship of the Ayatollah in Iran and its proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, etc.

May we soon witness the ingathering of the exiles, consolation for those who have suffered throughout the generations and the speedy rebuilding of the holy temple in our days.