Ruth, who lives in Akko, is glad to be spending her time in a new community center instead of hiding out in bomb shelters.

AKKO, Israel -For Ruth, spending time at a party sure beat hunkering down in a bomb shelter.

The 8-year-old lives in Akko, just 15 miles south of the Lebanese border.

This past summer, a war between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah translated into heavy rocket fire raining down on her city. Hundreds were wounded and 6 people lost their lives.

"The war was horrible," Ruth said. "I hated being in the bomb shelters."

Due to the destruction, businesses were closed and an economic slowdown occurred. Poverty levels rose to an all-time high.

This past summer, a war between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah translated into heavy rocket fire raining down Akko and Moshov Dishon.

Residents found some relief through "Hope for the Future," a community center that offered hot meals and catered to the needs of the community. However, the dilapidated center was too small to truly serve the needs of the people.

Through the Hiram Foundation, OBI helped reconstruct a new community center complete with a new kitchen, bathroom facilities, upgraded electrical wiring, new doors and windows and rebuilt the walls, floors and roof.

The building dedication was celebrated with a grand opening party and Ruth was in attendance.
The expansion now enables the center to feed 200 people a day and offer social activities to those in the community as well as after-school programs.

"This new center is great," Ruth said. "We love it. Thank you."

A second community center was built in Moshov Dishon and included a computer lab for area children.

Ramiz, an elder in the city who gave an acceptance speech said, "We now have a decent and welcoming place to gather and meet during the day and the evening."

"...We are very grateful to your organization," he added.

In addition to rebuilding a community center in Akko, OBI also helped fund the construction of another center in Moshav Dishon, a town along the Lebanese border whose buildings and community structures were badly damaged by the war. The brand new facility is used as a focal point of activities for the residents.

Both centers celebrated their grand opening during Hanuka.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
As violence in the Middle East persists, OBI is on the frontlines, bringing humanitarian relief to refugee families who are in need of food, water and basic aid. Help OBI ease the suffering of those caught in the violence by making an online donation today toward our efforts in the Middle East.

 

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