Kiryat Malachi Bomb Shelters

In 2012, Beth Jacob members raised $100,000 to construct two stand-alone bomb shelters in Kiryat Malachi in the wake of the November 12 Palestinian rocket attack that killed three Israelis. After the attack, Rabbi Topp, Rabbi Posy, Ari Miller, Jess Dolgin and Hugo Rose met with then Kiryat Malachi Mayor Motti Malka, who reported that the city’s bomb shelters were in desperate disrepair. Kiryat Malachi residents had very few places to run to for cover in the event of a rocket attack from Gaza. Beth Jacob committed to fund and coordinate the construction of two life-saving bomb shelters to provide protection for city residents.  Throughout Israel's Operation Protective Edge, the shelters have been put to very good use, protecting hundreds of citizens from the barrage of rockets.  Aside from providing emergency protection, the shelters also serve as community centers during times of peace.

Funds raised for the bomb shelters have also underwritten a retreat program for Kiryat Malachi teens during Operation Protective Edge.  The retreats, sponsored in partnership with the OU, have allowed the city's youth to spend time in Northern Israel, away from the fear and anxiety of living near the Gaza border. Teens have enjoyed fun activities, and have attended counseling sessions led by psychologists and trauma therapists. 

Above photo: Kiryat Malachi residents pose in the Golan Street bomb shelter constructed by Beth Jacob.