Kids and Music Art Shelter ~ Sderot ~ Solomon Family

The Sponsor: Solomon Family

Sderot is a city in the Western Negev, Israel. It has a population of over 33,500 and is situated less than one kilometer from the border with the Gaza Strip. Sderot was originally founded in 1951 as a transit camp for Israeli immigrants, primarily from Kurdistan and Iran. The development town served as part of a chain of settlements designed to block infiltration from Gaza. Permanent housing was completed three years after the transit camp’s establishment in 1954. The town was named Sderot after the numerous avenues and standalone rows of trees planted in the Negev, especially between Beersheba and Gaza, to combat desertification and beautify the arid landscape. Like many other localities in the Negev, Sderot’s name has a green motif that symbolizes the motto “making the desert bloom”, a central part of Zionist ideology. The residents of Sderot have been targeted by Gazan terrorist rockets since the early 2000’s.

Adapted from Wikipedia

Name of the Community: Sderot

About this Art Shelter:

From donor and JNF Gaza Envelope Task Force member, Phyllis Chancy Solomon:

“When JNF-USA dedicated the resilience center in Eshkol, two young violinists performed for the group . They played in the desert , surrounded by protective electronic fences . However, the music echoed loudly throughout bringing both joy and serenity to the audience. I glanced at the faces and saw the wonder of music in that moment. It was for me, the understanding that the magic of music could bring harmony through the joy of music to the residents of the envelope. Fast forward to our Israel at 75 JNF mission; sitting with Yuval performing a Faure duet in Eshkol acknowledged the gift that our hands gave to the audience. The dedication, compassion and understanding of the Gaza Envelope Task force brought this dream to life!

Music is a universal language, a powerful Instrument that not only provides social and cultural enrichment, but a sense of well being for a most deserved population. It has been my personal honor to work with these dreams and see them become a part of the area. “

The Art Shelter