“I would like to thank the Yeladenu Operation Team for their work during the Swords of Iron period. Through joint planning and execution, while conducting continuous needs assessment, the operation provided a swift and effective response and strengthened the resilience of Sderot’s schoolchildren in hotels and evacuation centers, so that they could cope with the multiple challenges posed by the war. Together with Yeladenu, we created a comprehensive framework for the emotional, mental, and educational needs of our children and youth. In an extremely short time and with significant resources, together we established two resilience centers in the hotel areas in Eilat and the Dead Sea. The complexes served as a temporary home for thousands of children and youth who were evacuated from the city. At these complexes, therapeutic services were administered, and resilience activities were provided, up until the children’s return home, to our city.”
“The complex is fabulous. The therapists really enjoy being there. The patients say it’s like coming to a retreat, like an island of sanity. At first we had concerns about intimacy, but the tents are excellent. The team that manages the complex is superb. Anything I ask for – happens the next day. It is like a giant, warm hug and it is the best thing we could get.”
Statements made by resilience center managers at the evacuation centers
“In the beginning, you helped us recover from the shock and start thinking how and what we could do and what was possible. In the longer term, you came to us with precise work plans for our two evacuation areas in Eilat and the Dead Sea. Your approach, which allowed us to say what we wanted, led to collaboration between us. I have no doubt whatsoever that your activity contributed greatly to strengthening the resilience of children and youth from the Eshkol Regional Council.”
Alon Davidi, Mayor of Sderot
Gadi Yarkoni, Head of the Eshkol Regional Council
“Throughout the first months of the war, and after Sderot’s residents evacuated to dozens of localities from Eilat to the Golan Heights, the partnership with Yeladenu was a significant anchor, bringing stability to the city’s children. In Eilat and the Dead Sea, beyond establishing the well-equipped therapy spaces, a partnership developed which translated into informal joint activity in Yeladenu’s spaces, building a school for high school students at the Dead Sea, and learning together with all professionals engaged in welfare, health, and education. All this was done with openheartedness and generosity which extended far beyond material giving, with the best people one could ask for.”
“Yeladenu taught us about caring, shortening working processes, and quick and professional work, without ego or logo. At Yeladenu, ‘the citizen is the focus’ is not the slogan – it’s how things are done!” Amos Ishay, Senior Deputy Director General, Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, Head of Shalem Administration (Rehabilitation, Support and Prevention)
Gil Chadash, Director of the Education Department, Sderot
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