On its second day, the solidarity mission of the World Jewish Congress traveled to the south of Israel to meet with Israelis affected by the rocket attacks from Gaza.

Meeting with Shimon Peres at Kibbutz Zikim

President Shimon Peres, WJC President Ronald Lauder and the other members the 78-strong WJC delegation paid a visit to Kibbutz Zikim, which borders the Gaza Strip. A few days ago, a terror attack against the kibbutz by Hamas fighters was narrowly prevent by the Israel Defense Forces after a Hamas commando tried to land on Zikim Beach, and earlier on Thursday, the IDF prevented an armed assault by Palestinian fighters on Kibbutz Sufa who entered through a secret attack tunnel from the southern Gaza Strip.
Lauder told Peres and the kibbutz members that he had been "overwhelmed by the response of the heads of Jewish communities in coming on this mission on such short notice” and that “world Jewry is united in its desire to stand side-by-side with Israel during this dangerous period."
Presidents Peres, Lauder and the chairman of the Hof Ashkelon district, Yair Farjoun, addressed the kibbutz residents.
Children badly affected by the incessant rocket attacks were given vouchers for a day off at a water park.
Peres welcomed the WJC delegation and declared: “Coincidentally, we just marked the 110th anniversary of Theodor Herzl's death. We know that his first dream, for the creation of a Jewish state has been fulfilled. I hope his second dream will come true as well, and that is to live in peace. Tonight, I will head to Herzl's tomb where I will tell him, ‘"If you will it, it is no dream.’”
The outgoing Israeli president went on to say: “We will gladly share with our neighbors what we have learned in order to help them build a better, prosperous future.”

Sha'ar HaNegev: Israeli area worst hit by rocket attacks from Gaza

 

The mission then traveled to Sha’ar HaHegev, an area which has been one of the worst-hit by the rockets from Gaza, and visited an ORT school there. Students at the school have no more than 15 seconds to reach a shelter room in the case of a missile alarm.
Ronald Lauder declared: “You are not alone. We believe in you and stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel. When you have difficulties, we stand with you.
In the town of Sderot, the delegation was regaled with songs by local students. Greetings were delivered by the school principal and then by Mayor Alon Davidi, who thanked Lauder for his contribution to the city and said: "Hamas wants to bring death to this area, while we bring life. My seven children pray that the army will do its job and we pray for the safety of the soldiers.”

Knesset speaker: 'We're here to fight to live for our ideals, not die for them'

Speaker of Knesset Yuli Edelstein was present as well. Addressing the delegation, Edelstein said: “We will prevail only with unity and courage. Your being here reflects that perfectly. I know you don't need my advice. Sderot needs your partnership and leadership. We are here not to die for our ideals but to live for them and to see Sderot flourish. For that we need partnership with our friends around the world.”
The mission also visited an Iron Dome battery of the IDF near Ashdod, where a briefing was given. Since 2012, Israel's south has faced rocket fire every few months. A few weeks ago, there was a very big increase in the frequency of these attacks. The Iron Dome system calculates the trajectory of the incoming rocket and calculates whether it is headed for a populated or open area. If it is the latter, it is left to explode. If not, it is intercepted mid-air. The system saves lives, according to the IDF.
In Tel Aviv, the mission met with Shaul Mofaz of the Kadima Party, a former Israeli defense minister and ex-IDF chief of staff, and in Jerusalem, the Israeli capital's Mayor Nir Barkat addressed the WJC delegation.