Thousands of rockets were fired toward northern Israel this week disrupting daily life and school for the staff and children at Migdal Ohr. 

Even with frequent alarms, we were able to keep everyone calm and safe because of the effort to refurbish shelters earlier in the year. Each of our Mishpachtonim, foster family dorms, is a family that is raising 12 orphaned or neglected children in an apartment on our campus. Each Mishpachton has a dedicated safe room where children can sleep, have dinner, and play when sirens are going off. 

Rabbi Grossman, the founder and dean of Migdal Ohr, recently shared an update for donors on the situation:

Dear Friends, 

I know you think of us and want to know what’s happening here. First, we must thank G-d for the miracles we witness daily. Thousands of rockets have been launched, yet, Baruch Hashem, we have all remained safe. 

Each Mishpachton dorm has a safe room so that the most vulnerable children we care for - the ones who have experienced trauma, grief, and abandonment - are living with a safe room right in their home.

Last night, and the night before, we moved to the shelters repeatedly. 

This experience has been especially challenging for our children, many of whom have endured trauma or neglect before coming to Migdal Ohr. The sound of sirens is particularly triggering, and the teachers and staff work tirelessly to reassure and calm the children, offering them stability and comfort.

Just months ago, teams of dedicated volunteers, including world-renowned artist Benzi Brofman, transformed our bomb shelters into colorful, welcoming spaces. 

Thanks to their hard work, these shelters now provide children with comfortable places to stay during alerts. Bright murals, cozy couches, and activity areas create an atmosphere that reassures and comforts the children.

We are so grateful for the generosity of those who helped make this possible. Each shelter shows our children they’re loved and cared for, reminding them they’re never alone, even in hard times.

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May G-d bless you for all you have done to keep these children safe, loved, and hopeful. Your prayers, love, and generosity make a world of difference.

Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman

Founder and Dean, Migdal Ohr