In the summer many children in the Youth Futures Program in Sderot find themselves with no supervision and without a framework. In Sderot, in light of the present security situation, the problem is all the more acute, the existential danger becomes very real and in the eyes of the children and the families, there is no solution to this problem and it is a source of great frustration. The American Forum of Russian Jewry got together to create a summer activity that is not only a program which provides an activity framework to help with the boring moments, but in Sderot it is critical to the emotional stability of the children and their parents, dealing with impossible attacks on their lives.

We would like to thank these wonderful partners for the first aid they've given to the most threatened population in Israel today – the children in Sderot. Thank you all!

Letter Of  Thanks To Those Who Helped Realize This Invaluable Mission :

"My name is Avi Tayeb and I am a trustee for the Youth Futures Project.

Two weeks ago, we left with the Project's children for an educational and ecological weekend at the Nitzana Youth Village.

The weekend helped me get to know the parents and the family outside of the home and particularly during Shabbat, when there is a very cohesive family experience.

It was a lot of fun leaving Sderot for a while and spending time with the children and the families without the threat of the Kassams.  The families approached me at the end of the vacation to express their thanks for the opportunity given them to take a break and leave the stressful situation of the Kassams.

I thank all those who have made this important and meaningful event possible.

With thanks,Avi Tayeb
Youth Futures - Sderot"

"The trip was excellent…My family and I really enjoyed ourselves.. There was a great pool in Nitzana…and the food was delicious,  I just didn't have fun when there was a blackout and there wasn't any Bingo."

"MY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE IN NITZANA"

"My name is Shimrit Ohana, and I am a trustee on the staff of Youth Futures in Sderot.  I am delighted to share a very special story with you that happened to me during the vacation in Nitzana.  It involves the special bond and relationship that was created between myself and a very special child named Pavel, who is in my children's group.

Up until the Nitzana vacation, I could not reach Pavel, a charming child, throughout all the joint activity. I couldn't connect with him and I always felt the bond between us was shaky.

From the first day of the Nitzana vacation, a positive change occurred in my relationship with Pavel, during the empowerment seminar in the woods.  We spent a lot of time together and the relationship between us became much stronger.

Today I would really like to thank you for the opportunity I was given during the vacation in Nitzana.  I have the good fortune to have created a special relationship with a wonderful boy, who I feel I can help to reach impressive achievements.

The strengthening of the bond between me and Pavel will contribute a lot to him because in this manner I can assist him in any way that I can.

Sincerely,

Shimrit Ohana
Youth Futures Staff in Sderot"

"I wish to thank you for the vacation you provided us in Nitzana.

We enjoyed the entire vacation and especially at the Neveh Midbar Spa, which was perfect from all standpoints - both in terms of the meals and the staff at the site.

The activities at Nitzana and the treatment we received from the project staff were incredible.

We enjoyed the seminar on coping with stressful situations very much. The advice given by Ruth, the facilitator, who spoke about coping with stressful situations,  helped us understand what happens to us when a Kassam falls.

Moshe, the director of the place, treated us wonderfully and made sure there was plenty of hot drinks and air-conditioning.

Thank you,

Esther Ben Lulu, Sderot"