November 1, 2023.
Dear Friends of Neve Hanna,
As far as the children in the residential groups are concerned, Neve Hanna has been almost complete again for a few days. A few children are still with their parents and with them in Eilat, in the very south of the country, because the authorities evacuated them. The Ministry of Social Affairs will ensure that these children, too, return to Neve Hanna at the beginning of next week.
With so many children back at Neve Hanna, all residential groups are now in action again. We no longer have an “emergency routine” but are now developing a fixed roadmap for “dealing with a longer-lasting crisis situation”. The official instructions not only from the Ministry of Social Affairs, but above all from the Home Front Command, which reassesses the situation for each region every 12 hours, are leading the way. Due to Home Front Command instruction school lessons in Kiryat Gat continue to take place exclusively via Zoom.
A different picture emerges regarding our Daycare Centers. So far, the children who live in Kiryat Gat come to Neve Hanna in the afternoons. The Home Front Command assessment will determine next week whether the day care children from Ashkelon and Rahat, who have to make a longer journey, can also come back to Neve Hanna.
We have massively increased our therapeutic offering. The Petting Zoo has never been so lively! Play and art therapy were increased, too. We are also in the process of offering a lot more yoga and “guided imagery” again. Our sports teacher is also very busy.
There is still no shortage of fun and games. Here’s just one example from yesterday afternoon: A woman came to Neve Hanna who offers laughter workshops. The video clips are remarkable, all the children are totally engaged and the Meeting Hall was filled with giggles, cackles and loud laughter. A very contagious thing, a good thing!
Sincerely for today,
Antje C. Naujoks, Public Relations and Resource Development
Neve Hanna Children’s Home, Kiryat Gat, Israel
American Friends of Neve Hanna 