Shalom Dear friends

Thank you again for your continued love and support.

Indeed Yokneam has now joined many other cities and settlements whose population is bothered in and out of the shelters.

From your comments, I gather that my reports are sad. This – most probably – describes our situation… sad and frustrating.

So – for a change – I want to share with you some of the wonderful work that is being done in our community.

Let me tell you about Shimon Yifrach, the Director of the local Community Center, and his vigorous staff.

The Community Center has arranged summer day camp activities for close to 200 children ages 6-13 from families who came from the north. Among them are 70 children of people who work in Yokneam and bring their children to the local summer camp. This is a shining example of the community's contribution to its industry.

Speaking of contributions; all of this was made possible, thanks to the contributions of our partner communities through the Federations of Atlanta and St. Louis. (Another shining example of the true nature of our partnership)

Contrary to the regular summer activities, the day camp is a full day and includes breakfast and lunch, thus providing additional occupation and time for children and parents alike.

Shimon, who is working tirelessly for the local and temporary population had to cancel all the scheduled vacations, and he and the Community Center staff are working round the clock.

While these camps have been running for 2 weeks and are scheduled to end this Thursday, many of the companies in the region are already asking to open an additional series for their employee's children. I am confident that funds and energy will be found for this as well.

Despite the hardships, despite the funerals, despite the sirens, despite the katyusha's, despite the wounded, despite the worry for our children in the army , despite the tension, there is definitely a spirit of friendship, love and unity which prevails at this time.

I am proud to be a member of such a community, and proud to have you, my extended family in Atlanta and St. Louis as partners and friends.

May our prayers be fulfilled, may our soldiers come home safe and sound, may we all enjoy the peace and tranquility which we all want and deserve.

Hanan Caspi

Tehillim - Chapter 6

Especially for all those wounded in these terrorist attacks:

1. To the conductor with melodies on the sheminith, a song of David.

2. O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, and do not chastise me in Your wrath.

3. Be gracious to me, O Lord, because I languish; heal me, O Lord, because my bones are frightened.

4. And my soul is very frightened, and You, O Lord, how long?