December 13, 2006 / 22 Kislev 5767

During Hanukkah the Jewish Agency Will Take Over 5000 Children from the Sderot Region for Activities Outside of Qassam Range

Simultaneously the Jewish Agency is Organizing a Colorful Festival in the Eshkol Region Which Will Host Residents of Sderot and the Region Free of Charge

Over the course of the Hanukkah vacation, the Jewish Agency will take thousands of children and teenagers from the town of Sderot and communities in the Gaza perimeter for educational and experiential activities outside the range of Qassam fire.

During three days (between the dates December 18-December 20) the Jewish Agency will stage a colorful happening in the Eshkol Regional Council to which the children of Sderot and the Gaza perimeter communities will be invited together with members of their families. The festival will be open to the general public free of charge every day between the hours of 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and will include activation for children, a circus and a juggler show, appearances by artists etc.

In addition, about 2700 children from Sderot and communities of the Gaza perimeter will be taken during the course of the Hanukkah Vacation to performances in Central Israel.

Likewise, about 2000 other children will be taken to experiential and educational activities at amusement parks, tourist attractions, museums and other leisure sites throughout the country.

Similarly, the Jewish Agency will invite families living in Sderot and in communities of the Gaza perimeter for a "tranquil weekend" and vacation days outside the range of the Qassams, during the course of the Hanukkah vacation and after it.

With the assistance of the Jewish Agency, during the course of the Hanukkah vacation performances will be staged for children of the North as well. The activities will take place in the communities of Safed, Upper Galilee, Nahariya, Migdal Ha'emek, Hatzor Haglilit, Tiberias, Kiryat Shmona, Upper Nazareth and Maalot.