With tensions still high and rockets occasionally launched at southern Israel from nearby Gaza, the need for specially audible alarms inside local kindergartens has become increasingly urgent. Recently in the Hof Ashkelon region above Gaza, ICEJ staff visited two kindergartens where new early warning alarm systems have been installed, thanks to our Christian supporters. This is part of a broader initiative to enhance safety across all 23 kindergartens in the Gaza border region.
We were accompanied by Yigal, the regional security officer responsible for educational institutions. His job is to ensure that schools and kindergartens adhere to safety regulations and meet the specific needs of children during crises.
“It was important for me that these alarms are separate from the general kibbutz or community alarms,” Yigal explained. “In places like kindergartens, especially during summer when the children are mostly indoors, the city alarms often go unheard. These alarms inside the building bring attention to teachers and students, giving them time to immediately take shelter.”
Each age group in every kindergarten received its own dedicated alarm system, 46 in total, all donated by ICEJ-Finland and ICEJ-South Africa. The systems were activated, and Nicole Yoder, Vice President of AID & Aliyah, placed a dedication plaque to remind that Christian friends around the world care for the local Israeli residents.
Our first visit was to Kibbutz Mavki’im, where we met Rena, a dedicated teacher in the middle of running a summer camp with 26 young children.
“It gets really loud in here,” she told us with a smile. “Especially in summer, with all the inside activities and the air conditioning, we can’t always hear the outside alarm.”
She pointed toward their safe room, known locally as the “Snoozeland,” specially designed to calm and comfort children during an emergency.
“So far, we haven’t had to use the kindergarten alarm, but just knowing it’s there gives us peace of mind.”
Next, we traveled to the kindergarten in Zikim. There, Galit, one of the staff members, welcomed us despite juggling summer camp activities that included a fun dog-training session with a poodle.
“We had about 15 or 16 kids, some inside, some outside,” she said. “When the alarms go off now, thanks to the newly installed internal system, we can actually hear it and take shelter immediately.”
“During the last alarm we had, we wouldn’t have heard the regular city alarm from inside,” she added. “It made a huge difference and allowed us to get to safety in time.”
In a third location, Moshav Talmei, the ICEJ recently provided a specialised ATV and firefighting equipment to strengthen first-response capabilities. Signs were added to the vehicle to acknowledge the gift, which came through generous donations from our Australian supporters. These practical tools are essential for communities that must often rely on their own resources in those precious first minutes of a crisis.
We pray that these communities will not need to use these alarms and equipment, but now they at least know they are not alone.
Projects like these can make all the difference in moments of danger. We invite you to join us in continuing to equip Israel’s communities with life-saving tools and protection. Together, we can ensure that even in times of fear, Israelis have safety, comfort and hope.
