Dear Supporters and Friends.

We would like to give you a report about the progress of the Russian Jewish Community Foundation’s Children of Sderot program in 2010.

Our mission is to give the children of Sderot the childhood and future that were stolen from them by terrorists. When terrorists shoot kassams at Sderot, they intend to intimidate, traumatize, and victimize. Often they succeed. 70% of the children of Sderot suffer from post-traumatic syndrome. Typical symptoms are low confidence, low grades, and hopelessness. While Sderot and its children are accustomed to attention and help during periods of high intensity attacks, they know that once the attacks cease for a period of time, they will be forced to face their problems alone.

Somebody could ask: “Why Sderot?” The answer is simple: For us Sderot stands for Israel. This is a frontier zone that is closely watched by friends and enemies alike. The enemy is testing the resolve of our people: “Will they give up? Will they retreat? Will they switch their attention to other matters while area after area of Israel is being transformed into a no-man’s land?”

The answer is that we have come to Sderot to stay. This is a long term project for us, and we will not give up on this long suffering city nor on its traumatized children. Just the opposite, as our program grows and we gain invaluable experience, we will expand our successful experiment in community philanthropy to other places in Israel.

From its inception, the purpose of our project was to create a secure, warm, and friendly environment for the Sderot children and their parents. We worked hard to earn the trust of this afflicted community, and we succeeded by creating three integral programs: the Children of Sderot Summer Camp, an After School program, and the vibrant Sderot Community Center.

Each year, the Russian Jewish Community joins forces to raise the money to allow 50 children from the embattled city of Sderot enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable summer in camp. This past year 52 children were able to attend the camp, where they played sports, sang songs, learned dance, math, and their Jewish traditions. Many of the counselors were college students from our very own Russian Jewish Community. This year’s counselors even created an online video diary to update and connect to the community back in the United States.

In 2011 the focus of our work will be to strengthen the children’s knowledge and education in three areas: English (crucial for future career prospects), Math (crucial for passing bagrut (the official Israeli matriculation), and Art -- necessary for its therapeutic impact for post-trauma disorder afflicted children. Mayor of Sderot David Buskila called the RJCF Community Center program one of the most effective and efficient charitable projects in Sderot. He expressed his desire to make this program available to many more children.
Your support will make it possible.

Below is the Children of Sderot Center Activity Report for 2010:

* Number of children who used the services of the center in 2010: 70
* Number of adults who used the services of the center in 2010: 40

Youth Classes
* English – 5 groups, 2 classes per week, 7 students per group.
Goals and objectives : assistance in school studies, learning, personal enrichment, developing an interest in learning English.
* Math – 4 groups, 2 hours per week, 6 students per group.
Goals and objectives: learning, assistance in school studies, logical thinking development.
* Pottery – 2 groups, 2 hours per week, 9 students per group.
Goals and objectives: learning the craft, aesthetic education, patience and diligence development, relaxation.
* Drawing – 1 group, 2 hours per week, 5 students per group.
* Agriculture – 2 groups, 2 hours per week, 7 students.
Goals and objectives: develop love for the Earth, work and learning skills.
* Needlework – 1 group, 2 hours per week, 8 students.
Goals and objectives: aesthetic education, artistic skills development, involvement in club activities (creating presents, greetings and props for celebrations).
* Cooking – 2 groups, 2 hours per week, 8 students per group.
Goals and objectives: develop interest in cooking, learning, teamwork skills, involvement in club activities (cooking).
* Aikido (Art of Self-Defense) – 1 group, 7 students, 2 hours per week.
* Homework Assistance – volunteers and senior students. 2-3 volunteers remain on location each day to assist any club member in doing his/her homework.
* Young Leaders Training – 2 groups, 2 hours per week, additional classes when needed, 5 and 8 students.
Goals and objectives: discussion of relevant topics, speaking and argumentation skills development, management of club activities and celebrations.
* Youth Leaders Traning for senior students opened in June.
Goals and objectives: preparation for summer camp. The best students are expected to become assistant youth leaders in the summer camp and manage a number of activities and groups.

Adult Classes
* English – 2 groups, 2 hours per week, 6 students. One beginner group, one advanced group. Most students in these groups are parents of attending children. On top of actual English training, it helps to strengthen our ties with parents and involve them in club activities.
* Pottery – 1 group, 6 students, 2 hours per week. All students are senior people; some of them have psychological issues (depression).
* Coaching (psychological training) – 1 group, 6 students, 2 hours per week. Each workshop includes 10 meetings.
* Aikido (health activity) – 1 group, 14 students, 2 hours per week.

Community activities
* Community holiday celebrations.
* Building
* Fixed and renovated new space (3,500 square feet) received for long-term lease from the city.

Financial Report Summary for 2010

* After School Program (includes all classes for children and program of remote learning with the exception of ceramics/pottery that are funded separately): $39,500
* Sderot Community Center -- (includes renovation of the space and classes for adults): $35,950
* Ceramics/Pottery: $16,330
* Summer Camp: $50,000
Total: $141,780

We have accomplished much in Sderot, but there is more to be done! Whether you are an old supporter, or someone just considering donating for the first time, the Children of Sderot need your support and help to have a place to play, learn, and cultivate their interests and skills.