International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Dear Friend of Israel,

As a friend of The Fellowship, you know that for years Israelis in and around the southern Israel city of Sderot have lived daily with "Code Red" alarms that signal the approach of terrorist rockets fired from Gaza. These attacks have caused death, injury, and severe emotional trauma to innocent citizens in the region.

In recent weeks the situation has escalated sharply. Using more sophisticated rockets supplied by Iran, Palestinian terrorists have extended their deadly reach to Ashkelon, seven miles from Gaza. Citizens of this once-peaceful city have learned that a "Code Red" alarm means they have about 30 seconds to seek shelter from the terrorist rockets.

If they are lucky enough to reach a shelter in time, residents will likely find a facility that is nearly uninhabitable. Because they have not been used in years, most of Ashkelon’s shelters are run down, ill-equipped, and even dangerous. They lack electricity, plumbing, and toilet facilities. Problems with ventilation and air-conditioning systems create unbearable conditions.

As you know, The Fellowship renovated dozens of bomb shelters to protect the citizens of Sderot when they found themselves in a similar situation. And now, at the urgent request of Israel's Prime Minister, we’ve committed an additional $2 million to help protect the people of Ashkelon. Israel devotes enormous financial resources to protect her citizens in case of war or terrorist attack. But she simply does not have the resources to fund the desperately needed renovation of all the shelters in Ashkelon.

That is why I am asking you to help us support this important, life-saving effort. The need is urgent. A fragile, undeclared peace between Israel and Hamas has already ended. The time to act is now, before - God forbid - massive attacks begin again.

My friend, I turn to you now because I know your love for Israel is unconditional and your concern for her people great. Please give generously today, as we are in a race against time. Our construction teams are preparing to begin immediate renovations. Your gift will truly be a godsend to those innocent men, women, and children who live every day under threat of terrorism and war. On behalf of Ashkelon and all her people, thank you for your generosity.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President