Rina, 78, has lived in Petach Tikvah for decades since making Aliyah years ago from Romania. She was married for 40 years, had a son and daughter and bought a house in a neighborhood surrounded by friends, becoming a pillar in the community. In 1991, during the Gulf War, Rina installed a reinforced safe room in her home but never used it much over the years.

On Saturday, February 28, Rina was already in her safe room when the sirens began to sound in the late afternoon. The next thing she knew, the door to the safe room was blasted inside of the room itself. Her neighbor immediately came to check on Rina and took her out of the house, instructing her not to look behind her as she left. A rocket had landed in the center of Rina’s home, completely destroying everything other than the safe room from which she was rescued.

Rina immediately went to her son’s house who lives in Givatayim. However, she wants her independence and to be near her friends. She wants to rebuild her house and move back to Petach Tikvah. In the meantime, she will be provided a temporary apartment.

The Jewish Agency visited Rina on March 1, less than 24 hours from the time that her house was destroyed. We told her we would provide her with financial assistance which she greatly appreciated because she left her home with only the clothes on his back. And just as importantly, we assured her that world Jewry stood with her during this difficult time and would assist her with anything she needs during this conflict.