April project of the Month: Israeli soldiers
Gaza rockets and the Iron Dome
The IDF is known for its sophisticated and advanced technology. In the past year alone, the military deployed the Iron Dome counter-rocket defense system to intercept Katysha rockets launched from the Gaza Strip and the Trophy active protection system that can intercept anti-tank missiles fired at Israeli tanks. The most recent test for the Iron Dome came in mid-March, when close to 200 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip to major population centers in southern Israel. The Iron Dome system intercepted tens of the incoming rockets. Over one million Israelis were under the threat of rocket fire.
Ashkelon’s Barzali Hospital moved children and mothers to bomb shelters and sent home as many patients as possible due to the missile bombardment. Also, the city of Gedera, south of the edge of metropolitan Tel Aviv, came under attack─placing pressure on the IDF to improve the Iron Dome system to protect all of southern Israel. Warning sirens were heard near Ashdod that is less than 10 miles from the Ben Gurion International Airport. The IDF attacked terrorist cells in Hamas-ruled northern Gaza. Hamas rejected any chance of a ceasefire until “Israel stops firing.” The Israeli government and the military stated that the IDF will carry out pre-emptive measures to protect the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to a Likud meeting, said that anyone planning to harm Israeli citizens will be hit. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority stated that they will turn to the UN to condemn Israel’s counterattacks! This latest eruption of attacks on Israel has shown the poor security reality that Israel’s southern communities endure.
IDF Malkia soldiers
On our May−June visit to Israel, we will again visit the Golan Heights and will go to see soldiers at the Malkia base. Israel had serious security challenges during the year, especially at the Lebanon and Syrian borders. If you would like to bless the troops this time, please designate your gift for “Malkia IDF soldiers.” Thank you so much.
