Letter from Chaim Peri
January 6th, 2009 (10th of Tevet)
How sad that once again we have to face days of awe in this region. Knowing that you care, here is a brief update.
Hundreds of our young ones are now in the front line, children whose stories we have been sharing with you over the years. What's more, several staff members are also back in uniform. Some children have siblings that have already graduated, and are now fighting out there... which only intensifies the feeling of being one family.
And so, Yemin Orde has opened its gates to Ethiopian immigrant families from the South seeking shelter, including a family from Sderot that has lost a child to a Kasam rocket. Of our affiliate villages, one is within missile range and has been evacuated, while another has opened up its gates to receive them. Neveh Amiel - our adopted and rejuvenated village - is hosting 30 families from the South. Special arrangements are being made to accommodate all the guests, by filling children's houses beyond their capacity. Our Mechina Leadership Program in the Galilee organized the collection of food and supplies for evacuated families who found shelter in Hatzor. Two of our graduates have been injured in battle, and are now surrounded by our team with warmth and affection.
Exposure to the tremendous suffering on both sides undoubtedly leaves a painful imprint on our inner world, especially on young ones. Yet, we feel that our children - who have embraced Muslim refugee kids from Darfur and heard their accounts of families perishing at the hands of their own people - indeed have the right idea where the line between evil and benevolence is drawn.
Much appreciation for your ongoing partnership, and hope for better days,
