Song For Israel Bomb Shelter #8 Placed in Northern Israel

Last week we received word from Shmuel Bowman, Executive Director of Operation Lifeshield, in Israel that our bomb shelter had been delivered and placed at the ITEC Israel Tennis & Education Centre Hatzor HaGlilit (Northern Israel). This bomb shelter cost $26,500 and we are so grateful for the many donors who helped make this happen to save lives in Israel!

There was no bomb shelter at this facility and the one provided by Song For Israel will save lives!

The Israel Tennis & Education Centers offers uniquely designed programs to meet the specific needs of its children:

At-Risk
Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics routinely assesses the numbers and demographics regarding children and youth-at-risk under the age of 17 in Israel and the findings are startling. A recent UNICEF report revealed that child poverty in Israel has increased to a record 35.6% of its total child population. The report also indicated that Israel has the highest rate of young adults aged 15 – 24, 30.7%, who are not in education, employment, or training. While some of that can be attributed to the country’s mandatory military service, it, more importantly, points out the need for organizations like the Israel Tennis & Education Centers, serving over 20,000 children throughout Israel with critical life skills that will enable them to succeed as adults.

Girls at Risk Empowerment
The Girls at Risk Empowerment Program is the only program in Israel that employs tennis for at-risk girls, ages 12 -16 to provide knowledge, skills, and opportunities, to develop autonomy and self-confidence, and to present education and career paths. Educational professionals at local middle and high schools identify and help enroll at-risk girls from underprivileged neighborhoods. The program runs from October through June. Girls are required to participate in the program for a minimum of two years, preferably for four years to maximize impact.

High Performance
Virtually every Israeli professional tennis player began their development at the Israel Tennis & Education Centers. The ITEC’s High-Performance Program unites talented athletes from various socio-economic circumstances, as Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze children develop and train together, reflecting Israel’s multi-cultural society. Importantly, it draws many of its athletes from the ITEC’s social impact programs.

Special Needs
Physical activity has been shown to enhance the quality of life for all children and adults. It is widely believed that those with disabilities may derive an even greater benefit than the non-disabled.

Thank you for donating to our bomb shelter project. To learn about our other bomb shelters and our newest bomb shelter campaign or to donate, please click here.