ICEJ rushes to provide bomb shelters for Israel’s vulnerable northern communities
As Israel braces for the potential bombardment threatened by the Hezbollah terrorist organization in retaliation for the targeted killings of two terrorist leaders, attention has been sharply focused on preparedness for a possible attack.
While most Israelis have access to a safety shelter either inside or near their homes, those caught without a safe place to weather the promised onslaught have made their needs known.
In particular, the lack of proper shelters in Druze communities was highlighted after the Hezbollah missile attack on Majdal Shams killed 12 children playing soccer.
Christians rushed to help meet the needs that suddenly arose as thousands of IDF reservists were called up in the wake of Oct. 7, and now the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is coordinating an initiative for those who want to assist once again, but this time, by providing safety shelters.
With no time to lose, ICEJ is coordinating an emergency drive to provide safety shelters and other means to protect vulnerable northern Israeli communities near the Lebanese border. Highlighting the need, the organization gives the example of a mixed Druze and Christian village named Hurfeish, located 2.5 miles from the border with Lebanon.
“Although its inhabitants are all Arabs, Hurfeish has repeatedly been in Hezbollah’s direct line of fire, with residents only having seconds to seek shelter,” explained Laurina Driesse of the ICEJ. The organization has provided shelters in this area in the past, and is now rushing to deliver another six.
“In a wonderful gesture by the manufacturer, the mural artist Elyasaf is painting beautiful imagery on these shelters to uplift the surroundings, said Driesse. "The local Druze community is extremely loyal to Israel and requested that both the Druze and Israeli flags be painted on the shelters. The shelters will be strategically placed in locations where civilians are most vulnerable, such as bus stops, community centers, sports fields, and schools.”
In recent years, the ICEJ has supplied over 50 portable bomb shelters to vulnerable communities near Israel’s northern border and has also renovated more than 200 existing underground shelters. This year alone, the organization has added 17 new bomb shelters in the North and upgraded 10 more underground shelters in the Mateh Asher region. These efforts, combined with previous installations, provide crucial safety and refuge for residents during times of need.
Click here to learn more about how to support this ICEJ project.
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Jo Elizabeth has a great interest in politics and cultural developments, studying Social Policy for her first degree and gaining a Masters in Jewish Philosophy from Haifa University, but she loves to write about the Bible and its primary subject, the God of Israel. As a writer, Jo spends her time between the UK and Jerusalem, Israel.
