Natan Sharansky Chairperson of the Executive of the Jewish Agency meets parents and children at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

November 22, 2012 / 8 Kislev 5773 5 pm Israel Time

Their only request – For the quiet to continue

Today, (Thursday, 22.11) 9,000 Children and teenagers from southern Israel enjoyed themselves at different entertainment venues in the center and North of the country. The costs for the Jewish Agency’s respite activities have been covered by Jewish Federations in North America, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Federation CJA and the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA.

The children enjoyed a range of fun activities, hoping that the quiet that they enjoyed during the day will continue after they return to their homes in the South, following the ceasefire agreement. Ariella Ben Hamu, a mother of 8 from Netivot, thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo with her children. She said, “We have all been stuck inside for the last two weeks. It was very difficult for the children. When I got the call last night that we could join the trip to Jerusalem, it was like a gift from heaven. The kids have finally been able to let off steam today.”

Natan Sharansky, Chairperson of the Executive of the Jewish Agency joined children enjoying themselves at the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem. During the visit Sharansky said that “The assistance provided by the Jewish Federations of North America and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Federation, Federation CJA and the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA  is a demonstration of the solidarity that Jews around the world feel with the residents of southern Israel”

The Mayor of Sderot, David Buskila said, “The respite trips organized by the Jewish Agency are life altering for the participants. The organization has been highly professionally.”

This brings to almost 30,000 the number of children taken for rest and respite out of rocket range this week by the Jewish Agency.

For further details, please call Benjamin Rutland on 0526091099.