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Ayalim students held ceremony at newly restored student village – Israel News

Harry October 29, 2024

Ayalim Association held a ceremony on Tuesday. Sderot‘s newly restored student village marks the start of the 2024 academic year.

The event, under the theme “Courage and Renewal”, was attended by hundreds of Ayalim students and young people from all over Israel, who came together to celebrate the resistance after the October 7 attacks and ongoing attacks. Israel-Hamas War. This ceremony reflected the tremendous effort expended in the recovery of the village and its determination to thrive as a symbol of Israel’s resilience.

The student village, whose restoration was supported by the municipality of Sderot and the Jewish National Fund (JNF), suffered direct damage from rocket fire during the recent conflict. Open 7 OctoberStudents were imprisoned in their apartments, some near the local police station, as rockets and gunfire exploded around them. In the aftermath, the Ayalim Association facilitated evacuations, moving students to hotels near the Dead Sea, where they initiated programs for local youth, ensuring continuity of community support and promoting resilience even during displacement.

The ceremony started with the speeches of Ayalim CEO Sigal Barzilai; Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi; and Shalom Garbi, Head of JNF’s Education and Society Division. Barzilai highlighted the city’s journey from devastation to resilience, saying: “Our community has endured extreme hardship, but our resilience has brought us back here.” Mayor Davidi described Sderot as a “symbol of resilience” and highlighted the growth of a determined, young community in the Negev eager to rebuild their lives.

Ceremony in the restored student village in Sderot. (credit: DAVID SALEM)

Reflecting the spirit of Israel, JNF’s Shalom Garbi said: “Today’s meeting is a testament to Israel’s strength. Even in the midst of pain and loss, we rebuild and remember those who sacrificed. “In Sderot, in the heart of the renewed Negev, we honor the unbreakable spirit of families, community and the State of Israel.”

The day includes inspiring talks

The day also featured inspiring speeches by Iris Haim, mother of fallen soldier Yotam Haim, and Colonel (Res.) Yonatan Raz, discussing the challenges in the Middle East. A panel titled “Nation of Heroes” will be held starting October 7, allowing survivors and rescuers to share their experiences highlighting the heroism and sacrifice involved in Sderot, including stories of bravery from local heroes such as Oz Davidian and Major (Res.) Evyatar Zeitouni recognized. and neighboring communities.

Since October 7, Ayalim members have been at the forefront of social initiatives, and this event underscores the ongoing mission to revitalize the student village and attract young Israelis to Sderot, the Negev and the northern regions of Israel.