YOUTH from Sderot, Israel, enjoy an outing on the water, away from the qassam rockets fired at their city from Gaza on a regular basis.

Aug. 30 event aids Sderot kids

By JEWISH REVIEW

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When Lee Rosenstock read about Sderot’s children, something caught her eye. The Keren Or Youth Center grabs disadvantaged kids off the street and helps them turn life around. As close to Gaza as the Mittleman Jewish Community Center is to Multnomah Village, qassam rockets blast by their building each day. They need a bomb shelter to continue their work. Rosenstock decided to help.

The result is a grass-roots fundraiser to be held at a private home, Aug. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kosher snacks will be provided. Rabbi Arthur Zuckerman of Congregation Shaarie Torah will speak. And, people are encouraged to come and donate whatever they can.

“Sderot is a dusty desert blue-collar town,” Rosenstock said about the city of 20,000.

“Many of the kids are North African or Russian immigrants. This organization is self-sufficient and has well established programs for youth.  They understand the emotional and physical needs.”

Rosenstock talked about one program that matched children with dogs.  “The kids train the dogs, take care of them and develop emotional stability,” she said. “They offer a disk jockey program, horse riding pre-army preparation, individual tutorials and other activities. “They have outings and excursions,” Rosenstock said. “It’s like scouting.”

Zuckerman lived in Israel, served in the IDF, spent time in the Negev and knows the region well. “I hope that Lee is successful—it’s a real mitzvah,” he said. “We don’t see this on a daily basis so for her to bring this to our awareness is important. [Keren Or] isn’t a big organization. It’s just people helping people.”

Zuckerman plans to show a video produced by the Israeli military and local councils. “It shows what the populace is dealing with,” he said. “From the moment a qassam rocket goes into the air, you’ve got 16 seconds to take shelter. They know when the market is crowded and when services are held. Everyone in the area has a story of a friend or family member who was killed.”

The Keren Or Youth Center fundraiser will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. at a private Hillsdale home.  Contact Lee Rosenstock at 503-452-3713 or darklily@dslnorthwest.net for the address. Kosher snacks will be provided. Admission is free. Donations should be cash or check only.