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11/20/2012
 

Since the start of Operation Pillar of Defense, our staff and volunteers have visited hundreds of victims and their families, and newly injured victims in Beersheba, Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Netivot, and Ofakim. The 600+ victims previously injured and living in the south have received multiple phone calls of support and counseling from OneFamily case workers, coordinators, therapists, and volunteers – ensuring that all their emotional and physical needs are taken care of. Pini’s visit was interrupted many times by the Tzeva Edom (air raid siren).

Immediately after an attack OneFamily does an assessment of the emotional, financial, and legal support each victim will need in order to ensure rehabilitation and recovery from the trauma of terror. It is essential that each victim knows their rights, how to obtain benefits, and understand the journey of recovery from emotional and physical injury.

(November 20, 2012) Over 140 Rockets hit Israel.
Corporal Yosef Partuk, 18, of Emanuel was killed Tuesday morning in a mortar attack in the Eshkol Region.
20 Rockets fall in Beer Sheva, damaging homes, a car, and a bus. No physical injuries were reported. 
2 rockets landed near Jerusalem during the afternoon. 


Rocket struck building in Rishon LeZion, injured 6 people.
Rocket struck building in Ashkelon, injured 1 person.
Rocket Barrage in Ashdod, destroyed grocery store, injured 7 people.
Rockets also hit Kiryat Melachi and Sderot.



Volunteers from Beer Sheva that are staying in Jerusalem joined the support effort by making phone calls to victims still in the South.








Our staff and volunteers continue to visit recently wounded victims and retraumatized victims of terror. The following stories showcase a few examples of our visits.

On November 10^th, Shimon ben Diana, a British-Israeli medic in Golani was driving in his jeep when it was hit by an anti-tank missile from Gaza.

Pini visited Shimon, he suffered shrapnel injuries to his eyes and forehead. He has regained stability to one of his eyes, while his other eye will require additional surgery. 



On November 18^th, Daniel and Miriam were traveling through Ofakim on their way home when an alarm sounded. They pulled over and grabbed their daughter from her car seat – as they crouched down the rocket hit 10 meters from their car. Shrapnel struck Miriam’s leg and Daniel’s back and leg – their daughter suffered minor injuries. Tears of relief poured down their faces as Miriam explained what happened. 

Please pray for:
Miriam Dina bat Ruth
Daniel Aaron ben Rose
Hadas Sarah bat Miriam Dinah

Mindee Levinger, the Jerusalem Coordinator visited the parents of Mira Sharf who was murdered on November 15^th. She, Aharon Smadji, and Itzik Amsalem were killed when a rocket from Gaza landed on an apartment building in Kiryat Melachi. Mira was the Chabad emissary in New Dehli, India. He husband Shmulik and son are still in serious condition in the hospital. Her two young daughters (below age of 3) are staying with Shmulik’s parents; they visited the shiva home to see their maternal grandparents today. Mira’s parents will join OneFamily’s bereaved parents support group in the coming weeks.

Etty, one of the Sderot community liaisons left Sderot this morning to Tiberias. The emotional impact of recent attacks have been too difficult for her and her five children. Etty was injured in 2009 when a Qassam rocket fell near their home. 

She suffers from severe PTSD and cannot sleep, cannot concentrate, has a high level of anxiety, and suffers from trauma induced depression.


Since Friday, our staff has received phone calls from victims requiring support from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. OneFamily currently assists close to 4,000 victims of terror and their families - bereaved, orphaned, wounded, maimed through acts of terror. All rockets aimed at Tel Aviv have been intercepted by the Iron Dome.

Please keep these victims of the most recent attacks in your prayers:

Yakov ben Gizla
Beer Sheva, 77 years old, fell as he ran towards a safer part of his building. He hit his head and fractured his pelvis.

Sima Elka bat Sarah Tzippora
Beer Sheva, 75 years old, fell as she tried to get to safety. She broke her hip and is recovering from surgery.

Doron ben Victoria 
Beer Sheva, 40 years old, married with twin 4.5 year old daughters. The siren rang as he was driving, he injured himself as he rushed his daughters to safety. He ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Shimon Yitzchak ben Esther 
Netivot, he is a firefighter and was wounded by shrapnel in his ears and face.

Ben Zion Chai Yehuda ben Chana
Was injured last week when a Qassam fell on his jeep. He suffered severe head injury and supposed to have a cornea transplant tomorrow.

Landau ben Frenda
63 years old, was injured in his foot and head while hitchhiking (a rocket fell 10 meters from the car).

Margush bat Silvia
67 years old, she was visited her home in Sderot when an alarm was sounding. As she went to the stairs, she slipped and fell, her leg was broken and was injured on her foot, back and head. She is currently awaiting surgery.

Tzipora bat Bomuni
89 year old, lives in Ashkelon, with 65% disability, she has five children and lived alone without help! A Grad missile fell near her, it threw her in her wheelchair, she is experiencing hemorrhaging all over her body including her - head, eyes, and arms.

Carmit
Pregnant woman, 26 weeks, went into pre-term labor and was released from the hospital

Ayal Yehuda
40 years old, when the alarm sounded he grabbed his baby son. He fell and broke his leg while protecting his son. He has been transferred to rehabilitation.

Yosef
Suffering from post-trauma, wife was injured in a previous attack.

Our staff met with wounded in the emergency room, a number of people were suffering from anxiety, we talked to them and reassured them. They will not be admitted into the hospital - there are many more like them. 

11/19/2012 5:00 pm

Pini Rabinovitz, the Southern Regional Coordinator visited victims and their families, and newly injured victims in Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Netivot, and Ofakim. The 600+ victims previously injured and living in the south have received multiple phone calls of support and counseling from OneFamily case workers, coordinators, therapists, and volunteers – ensuring that all their emotional and physical needs are taken care of. Pini’s visit was interrupted many times by the Tzeva Edom (emergency alarm).

Immediately after an attack OneFamily does an assessment of the emotional, financial, and legal support each victim will need in order to ensure rehabilitation and recovery from the trauma of terror. It is essential that each victim knows their rights, how to obtain benefits, and understand the journey of recovery from emotional and physical injury.

On November 10^th, Shimon ben Diana, a British-Israeli medic in Golani was driving in his jeep when it was hit by an anti-tank missile from Gaza.

Pini visited Shimon today, he suffered shrapnel injuries to his eyes and forehead. He has regained stability to one of his eyes, while his other eye will require additional surgery. 


On November 18^th, Daniel and Miriam were traveling through Ofakim on their way home when an alarm sounded. They pulled over and grabbed their daughter from her car seat – as they crouched down the rocket hit 10 meters from their car. Shrapnel struck Miriam’s leg and Daniel’s back and leg – their daughter suffered minor injuries. Tears of relief poured down their faces as Miriam explained what happened to Pini. 

Please pray for:
Miriam Dina bat Ruth
Daniel Aaron ben Rose
Hadas Sarah bat Miriam Dinah

Mindee Levinger, the Jerusalem Coordinator visited the parents of Mira Sharf who was murdered on November 15^th. She, Aharon Smadji, and Itzik Amsalem were killed when a rocket from Gaza landed on an apartment building in Kiryat Melachi. Mira was the Chabad emissary in New Dehli, India. He husband Shmulik and son are still in serious condition in the hospital. Her two young daughters (below age of 3) are staying with Shmulik’s parents; they visited the shiva home to see their maternal grandparents today. Mira’s parents will join OneFamily’s bereaved parents support group in the coming weeks.

Etty, one of the Sderot community liaisons left Sderot this morning to Tiberias. The emotional impact of recent attacks have been too difficult for her and her five children. Etty was injured in 2009 when a Qassam rocket fell near their home. 

She suffers from severe PTSD and cannot sleep, cannot concentrate, has a high level of anxiety, and suffers from trauma induced depression.


Since Friday, our staff has received phone calls from victims requiring support from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. OneFamily currently assists close to 4,000 victims of terror and their families - bereaved, orphaned, wounded, maimed through acts of terror. All rockets aimed at Tel Aviv have been intercepted by the Iron Dome.

Please keep these victims of the most recent attacks in your prayers:

Yakov ben Gizla
Beer Sheva, 77 years old, fell as he ran towards a safer part of his building. He hit his head and fractured his pelvis.

Sima Elka bat Sarah Tzippora
Beer Sheva, 75 years old, fell as she tried to get to safety. She broke her hip and is recovering from surgery.

Doron ben Victoria 
Beer Sheva, 40 years old, married with twin 4.5 year old daughters. The siren rang as he was driving, he injured himself as he rushed his daughters to safety. He ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Shimon Yitzchak ben Esther 
Netivot, he is a firefighter and was wounded by shrapnel in his ears and face.

Ben Zion Chai Yehuda ben Chana
Was injured last week when a Qassam fell on his jeep. He suffered severe head injury and supposed to have a cornea transplant tomorrow.

Landau ben Frenda
63 years old, was injured in his foot and head while hitchhiking (a rocket fell 10 meters from the car).

11/18/2012 2:15 pm
Many buildings across Israel are built without bomb shelters - leaving residents to run to the safety of their stairwells. Two were injured this morning when they ran down to the first landing (the safest location) -- they broke their hips and pelvic bones. Pini Rabinovitz spoke with both victims and will be visiting them tomorrow.

21 victims currently hospitalized, 14 civilians and 7 soldiers. All victims and their families are in touch with OneFamily and are aware of OneFamily resources in the days, months, and years ahead.

One of the families that chose to remain in their home (rather than traveling to the north) will be living in Beitar for the upcoming month. Their son was injured in a terror attack at the Jerusalem Convention Center in March 2011. The community in Beitar worked with OneFamily Jerusalem caseworker, Mindee Levinger to ensure that all needs were taken care of -- schools, food, health services, ...

A young mother in Ashdod will be giving birth in the coming week through C-section. She will be moving to Jerusalem for the birth of her child and for her recovery.

There are gangs in Ashkelon that are barring citizens from entering bomb shelters! We are currently working with a mother and daughter who were both injured by a kassam rocket a few years ago. They are suffering from severe anxiety and stress from her PTSD and her inability to have safe shelter. OneFamily is finding them a safe location to live for the next few weeks.

11/17/2012 6:00 pm
Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem for the first time on Friday night soon after candle lighting. One rocket landed near Takoa and the other near Gush Etzion. 

Yael Levi (community liaison in Sderot) spoke with Pini Rabinovitz (Southern Regional Coordinator) after Shabbat -- families spent the day in the bomb shelter, there is a high level of anxiety and fear. At times they are doing okay, at other times they are crying and have lost hope.

School has been canceled in the region. Kids are getting antsy from staying indoors, but are also terrified of leaving the security of their parents. The affects of PTSD are impacting the situation and OneFamily caseworkers are in constant contact with families.   

All 600+ families connected with OneFamily in the South were contacted on Thursday with options to come north for the weekend OR longer. Some families said yes, for others, the thought of leaving their house was too overwhelming.

Over Shabbat a total of 75,000 reservists were called up to the South. 

Hamas broadcasted an announcement warning that they will start sending suicide bombers to major cities, like the second intafada. Victims across the region are reaching out to their caseworkers, therapists, and fellow OneFamily family members...


11/16/2012 3:00 pm
As Shabbat comes closer, families are preparing for the weekend.
Reservists continue to be called up for duty and are moving to the South.

Some families traveled to the north for the weekend while others stayed in their bomb shelters.
11 families that had planned to go north changed their minds in the last minutes out of fear of leaving their home and traveling on the streets. 

One of our families had chosen to travel north, however their elderly grandparents showed up a their home as they were leaving and persuaded them to stay. As they prepare for Shabbat, they know that the next 24 hours will be emotionally stressful without any way to know what is happening (they do not use television or their computer)

11/15/2012 4:30 pm

250 Rockets batter southern Israel, 3 killed, more than 70 injured.

OneFamily staff spoke with 600 families living in the south that have previously been injured by acts of terror. Families are suffering from post-trauma and shock. We organized travel from the southern region to homes in central and northern Israel for the weekend and days to come. We appreciate and thank the outpour of support from our friends and family.

OneFamily is mourning the murder of three residents of Kiryat Melachi.

More than 70 Israelis have been injured today including:
A 4-year-old boy was moderately hurt and was taken to the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for treatment.
A 1-year-old girl sustained light injuries and was taken to the Kaplan Medical Center.
An infant sustained light injuries and was taken to the Kaplan Medical Center. The girl's father was lightly hurt as well.
Ten people suffered panic attacks.
Rockets have targeted and hit a building in Sderot, a home in Ashdod, a school in Ofakim. Rockets have targeted   Beersheba, Ashkelon and Gan Yavne as well. The IDF has successfully intercepted rockets with the Iron Dome missile defense system.

Text Messages from residents in the South: What a situation... I'm okay but barely functioning… trembling with fear. (Michael was previously injured and suffers from anxiety, has 56% disability)

11/15/2012 12:00 am

Hamas has declared war.
People are scared. No one knows what will happen.

More than 83 rockets were launched this evening into Southern Israel following the assassination of Hamas's military leader Ahmed Jabari. In addition to serving as second in command in Hamas, a global terror organization, Jabari personally oversaw the kidnapping and imprisonment of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Schalit.

In the last few hours, the Iron Dome intercepted 25 Grad rockets, 6 rockets landed near Beersheba, and one rocket was fired toward Dimona (location of Israel's nuclear reactor).

Hamas has declared a state of war.  In response, IDF Infantry Units have moved to the south and reservists have been called up for duty.

This military event has been named, "Amud Anan" in reference to the biblical clouds that protected the Jewish people in the desert during their 40 year trek in the wilderness from Egypt to Israel.

Men, women, and children are sitting in bomb shelters. Waiting.
Staying in touch with friends and family via text message. 

Pini Rabinovitz, the Southern Regional Coordinator is in touch with residents, community liaisons, and city officials. This afternoon, he sent the following message to our family in the south: "Know that you are not alone and we will be in touch with you. We are a phone call away and we will be visiting you often to make sure you have everything you need. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. With love, OneFamily."

Minutes ago we received the following text message from a family in Sderot. "A barrage of several rockets just whistled over the house. We are afraid we're not going to make it out alive."

Tensions are running high - over the past few weeks communities in the south have felt the effects of the trauma. Remember, these are re-traumatized victims. Many suffer PTSD and anxiety from previous attacks on the region. This barrage of rockets and the fear of continued and more severe attacks have halted recovery and rehabilitation while adding additional trauma to now overcome.

OneFamily is an active part of the lives of thousands of families in the south - we have been there, we are there, and we will continue to be there.

11/14/2012
Tensions are running high in the South right now. More than 55 rockets landed in residential areas over the past three days. Kids cannot go to school, houses were damaged, a factory was hit, and no one knows when the next rockets will fall. The communities are feeling the effects of the trauma. Remember, these are re-traumatized victims. Many suffer PTSD and anxiety from previous attacks on the region. This barrage of rockets have halted recovery and rehabilitation while adding additional trauma to now overcome.  
During the first day of the attack, victims remained in touch with each other and with Pini Rabinovitz (Southern Regional Coordinator) through text messages. The messages can be a lifeline of support or bear difficult news.

Yael Levi (Sderot Community Liason) sent the following update to Pini during Sunday’s attack: I just received this message from a Sderot family, “during the last Zeva Edom (Emergency Alarm) the side of our house was hit. I don’t know what to do with the girls tomorrow. Goodnight…”

Pini visited the south yesterday to visit wounded victims, meet with the community liaisons and victims that have been re-traumatized.

He visited two injured soldiers in the surgical unit:
Imri ben Chava: had surgery in his leg yesterday and is still recovering
Asraf El-bachari (Benoin): has shrapnel in his head and leg. He is supposed to be discharged from the hospital today;
Pini also visited Moshe ben Miriam. Moshe is married and has four beautiful children. He is self-employed and has lost a lot of business over the past few days. He was wounded and had surgery on his leg and also has shrapnel in his face. He should be returning home in the next few days.

There are many victims suffering from various severities of trauma and shock. Pini is on the phone 24/7 speaking to families, keeping informed of the needs of the communities, and ensuring that they know that they are not alone in their situation.

01/11/2012
Hamas attacks Israel, 80 rockets traumatize thousands, 5 injured!

22 rockets landed in the Eshkol region
21 rockets landed in the Lachish region
27 additional rockets landed in other areas of the South
7 rockets were intercepted by The Iron Dome
10 rockets were fired at Israel on Tuesday night
Total in 24 hours, 80 rockets
A total of five were wounded in an attack against Israel. 

Please pray for Ziv Ben Margalit a young soldier injured in the attack.

Update of Ziv's condition: Pini Rabinovitz, South Regional Coordinator, visited Ziv and his parents. Ziv is suffering from severe shrapnel and burn injuries and will require months of rehabilitation before returning home. He was in good spirits and has begun his recovery smoothly.

Three temporary residents from Thailand were wounded - one with a head injury, one with shrapnel in his legs, and the last with light wounds that were treated at the scene. 

A fifth woman was treated for severe shock.

Five homes were seriously damaged and a museum in Yad Mordechai was hit.