An Update from Our Project Kesher Community in Israel

We wanted to share a brief update from our Project Kesher team and community in Israel.

The situation remains extremely difficult. Sirens and strikes continue across much of the country, and daily life has been profoundly disrupted.

Last night, several of our coordinators from the Central region were unable to return home because of repeated attacks and the lack of safe rooms in their buildings. Instead, they spent the night sheltering in train stations in Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv.

Public transportation has slowed dramatically due to rocket debris on roads and railway lines and the ongoing security situation. Most people avoid buses and trains unless absolutely necessary. When sirens sound, passengers must quickly run to nearby buildings or shelters — often overcrowded — with little time to reach safety.

We are witnessing a growing emotional toll. More and more of our participants are reporting panic attacks and severe anxiety. Urgent psychological support is now needed for hundreds of women in our community.

Yesterday, more than 500 people joined a Zoom session with journalist and analyst Ksenia Svetlova, which offered participants a chance to better understand the geopolitical situation and ask questions during a time of profound uncertainty.

We continue to hear heartbreaking stories from the women we serve. One participant in Bat Yam, a single mother who uses a wheelchair, lives on the fourth floor of her building. When sirens sound, her two teenage children are unable to carry her to a shelter, so they sit together on the stairwell outside their apartment door. Our coordinators remain in constant contact with them.

Even in these frightening circumstances, our community continues to support one another. Tomorrow, before Shabbat, Rabbi Olya Weinstein and Rabbi Debbie Shuah Haim will lead a Kabbalat Shabbat gathering on Zoom for our participants — a moment to sing, pray, and simply be together.

We will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves.

With gratitude for your care and solidarity,

The Project Kesher Team