by Anna Kamenetsky - October 2013

We have just received phenomenal news from Sderot that must be heard by all our friends, family, and supporters. Our very own Sveta Panaitov, director of our Boston Sderot afterschool program and annual summer camp, just got elected to Sderot’s city council! While this is a tremendous achievement for her personally, this win is an even greater accomplishment and triumph for our afterschool program and our entire initiative in Sderot. We are already seeing the results of this victory through Sveta’s electoral campaign. Gaining access to a greater outlet has enabled Sveta to reach more of Sderot residents and inform the greater general public about the Boston Sderot club.

But what does this have to do with us here in America? Well, let me tell you –

The budget we have allotted Sveta for the afterschool program is no longer sustainable or feasible. Since Sveta’s city council election, ALL of our classes in the afterschool program have SOLD OUT and she cannot accept any more students with the current budget. With your support, we can change that! Our club is now constantly filled with Sderot’s residents, ranging from age 5-65, taking part in a variety of programs that we have to offer – from ceramics, dance, and zumba, to math, English, and senior citizen yoga. Our dance classes have become a huge hit and success at the club. Now with such an increase in participants, more programs are being requested daily, more classes need to be added to the current schedule, and more class materials and supplies have to be readily available in the club’s on-hand inventory.

How can you help?

DONATE, DONATE, DONATE. Please take a moment to reflect on our achievements thus far. We started with changing the lives of 20 kids that came to America for one summer in 2007. Now in 2013, we have the power to change the entire city of Sderot and facilitate the improvement of its beloved community. We have come this far and can by no means give up now, or EVER for that matter. The Sderot community needs us, and our community needs Sderot. The counselors that travel to Israel for the camp and the children in our community have such an infinite and immeasurable bond with Sderot’s youth that we must maintain and sustain for many years to come.

In support of our efforts in Sderot, we will be putting on our annual “Children of Boston to Children of Sderot” concert on November 17th at Center Makor showcasing young talent from all over the greater Boston area. Upon your attendance, you will enjoy dance showcases, theatrical performances, gymnastics displays, singing ensembles, and so much more – all in efforts to raise money for Sderot’s afterschool program and summer camp. All ticket sales go directly to the cause, so please join us in this spectacular event. Without your support, this project would not be possible – and it needs to be possible.

Concert details:
Where: Center Makor, 1845 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA
When: Sunday November 17 at 3:00 pm
How: To reserve your tickets,
please email your request to campbostonsderot@gmail.com or
call (617) 453-8739.

If you are unable to attend the concert, please consider donating at RJCF.com/donate

To read more about the success of the 2013 Summer Camp in Sde Boker from one of our counselors, please click here.