Today NIF received the following letter from Yeruham Mayor Michael Bitton. While his city is living under threat of rocket attack, he has found that the citizens are coming together to pitch in and help each other get through this crisis. He credits the Volunteer Center that NIF helped establish in his city for this spirit of solidarity.

Read the full letter below: 

Thank you Talia, Rachel, Itzik, Carlos, Aviva, and all of the people of the New Israel Fund in Israel and around the world.

The power of my community in Yeruham during a crisis is being tested for the first time.

The fact that there are hundreds of volunteers and the spirit of strength and support around mutual engagement and assistance to the inhabitants of Yeruham – with the outpouring of solidarity that comes from our values and the establishment of the Volunteer Center and other activities that support the blossoming of civil society.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your participation and commitment.

Please pass on our appreciation and love to all of the partners and members of the New Israel Fund in Israel and around the world.

With appreciation,

Michael Bitton