The Times of Israel shares the story of the northern Israel town of Shlomi, which is seeking to bounce back and return to normal life after all that it has endured since October 7, 2023:
In Shlomi, over 420 homes and buildings were damaged as a result of direct hits and blasts. While the gym was not among them, its parquet floor had to be replaced due to the wear and tear from soldiers who used the space for temporary housing.
Today, despite some setbacks during the war with Iran, the town is getting back on its feet, with residents readjusting to life and restoring the sense of community lost when its residents were forced to flee.
Shlomi Mayor Gabi Naaman is confident that 95% of residents who left will return by the start of the school year on September 1.
“We’re giving them hope and security,” he said during an interview with The Times of Israel in his office on Thursday.
Head of Shlomi’s Education Department Yochai Kamissa presented another major challenge that returning residents face. That is coming back to living in a small town with less support resources than major cities in Israel like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Children that are returning may also have to adapt to different teaching methods. Of course, Shlomi teachers and educators are ready to help.
Like most of Israel, northern Israel has been ravaged by the war – by constant rocket fire, terror attacks, missiles and armed drones that even target kindergartens and children’s soccer fields. Let’s pray that the region – and the entire nation of Israel – can return to normalcy, and for the day when God’s peace will reign where there once was war, conflict, and sorrow.
