Once again, I am writing to you because our children are facing a highly tense security situation, and many of you have reached out to ask how Neve Hanna, the children, and the team are doing.
In short, we can say that we are all okay — though that does not mean we are not worried and troubled by the situation. The tension, the stress triggered by rocket alarms, and the uncertainty of whether the rockets will be intercepted in time are extremely exhausting. For our children, this is compounded by the fact that they are already struggling with trauma, as you all know. On top of that, they worry about their parents and siblings, just as our staff members worry about their own families.
It is not an easy time. And yet, I can add a big BUT: we are together. We can support one another and give each other strength. As always, the Neve Hanna community stands united and, even in these difficult circumstances, rises above itself in the care and compassion we show one another.
This also applies to Esther and Malkah, our two volunteers from Germany. At this point in time, they have decided not to leave the country but to remain in Neve Hanna, where they feel as safe as possible and well cared for. Of course, the situation remains dynamic, and neither they nor we know what still lies ahead. But we will face that together as well.
Yesterday, we were meant to celebrate our Purim party. Anyone who has been in Neve Hanna at this time of year knows how much work goes into preparing the activity booths, the restaurant and café, and especially into creating the costumes and rehearsing the performances. Not only the children were disappointed that the party had to be postponed for now, but Esther and Malkah were disappointed, too.
Together with a staff member, they had built the traditional “haunted room,” which the German volunteers design each year with great creativity and which is always a highlight for the children.
And once again, there is a BUT: the party is not canceled — it is only postponed. When we can return to a normal daily life without the constant threat of rockets, we will celebrate it properly. In the meantime, we have a little more time to perfect the costumes and polish the performances. At least we had our reading of the Megilat Esther before the weekend, also a very special event, as you can see for yourselves.
With warmest regards,
Antje C. Naujoks
Public Relations and Resource Development
© Antje C. Naujoks, Neve Hanna Children’s Home
American Friends of Neve Hanna 