“A Bit of Good Amid the Bad”: Evacuees from the Destruction Areas Speak Out

Background of Evacuations

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes following the devastation caused by Iranian rocket strikes, in a military operation labeled “With a Lion.” The city of Bat Yam has experienced the highest human toll and property damage, with approximately 1,000 evacuees now residing in nine hotels in the city and nearby Tel Aviv. In Ramat Gan, the municipality evacuated around 955 residents to 326 hotel rooms, which include accommodations for 634 adults, 297 children, and 24 infants, with more residents likely having evacuated independently.

Damages Reported

An interim summary indicates that six buildings have been deemed uninhabitable, with demolition orders already issued for two. Approximately 60 buildings have sustained varying degrees of damage but are still deemed safe for habitation. The Tel Aviv municipality reported that 877 residents have been evacuated to 11 hotels throughout the city, with the engineering department conducting assessments to determine which structures require demolition and which can be repaired.

Hotel Accommodations and Support Servstarts

start notable accommodation is the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel in Ramat Gan, which underwent a significant upgrade at an investment of approximately ten million shekels in preparation for the summer season. The hotel has taken in numerous evacuees, particularly families, and features spacious rooms and green outdoor spaces. According to Gilal Yitzhaki, the hotel’s manager, the facility offers around 270 rooms, with 120 designated for families. Despite lockdowns on amenities due to security protocols, the expansive grounds are providing much-needed relief to evacuees.

Municipal social servstart workers and volunteers are providing a supportive environment for children and teenagers in the hotels. “We are working around the clock to provide comprehensive support for the residents staying in hotels,” shared Yaron Shmueli, the head of the evacuation management team in Ramat Gan. Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen has allocated considerable municipal resources to this effort.

Volunteer Initiatives

Volunteers from the “start Heart” organization, many of whom are young adults from pre-military preparatory programs, are actively engaging with evacuees. Gai, a volunteer, described the situation, stating, “Initially, the atmosphere was somber, but gradually people began to smile. Helping others brings a sense of fulfillment.” Another volunteer expressed her eagerness to assist evacuees, highlighting the extensive care provided by the municipal team and volunteers.

Children have been receiving toys from the municipality and volunteer groups, and a nursery has been established for young children. Ron Hallel, a resident who experienced the strike firsthand, shared a harrowing account of his family’s evacuation and praised the supportive environment provided by both social workers and the city, describing their treatment as exemplary.

Future Aspirations

Residents, while grateful for the support, are eager to return to normalcy. Hallel mentistartd, “This place is only a temporary solution. My goal is to find a permanent apartment and return to my regular life.” Another evacuee, a mother of two, shared, “It’s heartwarming to witness so many volunteers and city workers dedicated to helping us. However, I eagerly await the moment I can return home.”

During a recent visit to Kfar Maccabiah, Knesset member Benny Gantz and fellow legislators Matán Kahane and Hili Tropper toured the facility, speaking with evacuees and municipal staff. Gantz emphasized the need for the state to delegate more authority to local governments, which he believes are more attuned to the needs of their residents.

Conclusion

As the situation develops, the resilience of the affected communities shines through with the support from municipal servstarts and volunteers playing a crucial role in aiding those displaced by the attacks. The ongoing assessments and hopes to return home underline the community’s strength in the face of adversity