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Bomb Shelters Now Being Equipped With Activity-Kits in Ethiopian Communities
Yet another quiet hero helps JDC-Israel and AMEN to assist the vulnerable populations of Israel during the current crisis. Desse, a counselor for Ethiopian adolescents, who works for the Community Center Organization, felt the need to help his Ethiopian community in Kiryat-Yam (adjacent to Haifa) through their difficulties under fire. Similar to many others, the Ethiopian community was not fully prepared for the current crisis. Bomb shelters are not properly equipped for large families with babies and children to spend long days; people are confined to these cramped quarters. Many Ethiopian children have difficultly tolerating hot and stuffy bomb shelters for the long days and weeks; as a result, many Ethiopian children were found wandering outside endangering their own lives, while their helpless parents remained inside the bomb shelters. Moreover, the special emergency call-centers have trouble providing assistance to the parents, since they don't speak Amharic. Desse, with the aid of AMEN staff, mapped out a list of the needs and locations. AMEN volunteers then prepared 750 special family-sized play-kits with instructions in Amharic for the Ethiopian immigrants who are confined to bomb shelters. These kits were sent to Haifa, Afula, Tirat Ha'Carmel and Sderot. Volunteers and soldiers use the kits to organize activities for the children. The stress that these families have been feeling is somewhat reduced. Desse reports that, "the parents of these children are so grateful that they can not stop thanking us. Some even kissed our hands in gratitude". While they are grateful for the actual play-kits, the attention and response to their dire needs is most appreciated. Although risking his own life while running between shelters, Desse feels that the gratitude showed to him by the parents and kids makes it worth while. August 2006 |
