December 31, 2008 / 4 Tevet 5769

On the field reporting by Moshe Miara, coordinator of cultural programming, Kalanit Absorption Center and Oren Ackerman, director of absorption programs in Southern Israel:

As we were waiting for the arrival of Jewish Agency Chairman, Mr. Zeev Bielski and Jewish Agency Treasurer, Mr. Hagai Meirom, we heard a siren which was followed by the deafening sound of an explosion, as a Grad missile landed near the Kalanit Absorption Center in Ashkelon. 

When we entered the guest room that had been arranged for us, we found that a window had been shattered by the force of the missile.

Among those participating in the visit were young immigrants from various different countries, who told of their experiences trying to get settled in the shadow of missile attacks.

In effect, they gave encouragement to the chairman and treasurer, who had come to encourage them.

At the end of the visit, the chairman and treasurer extended greetings to the staff members of the absorption centers in Southern Israel and their families.  They also thanked the staff for standing strong during these difficult times when Israel must fight for its home, a campaign described by Mr. Bielski as “the victory of democracy over terror.”