Some 9,000 children from southern Israel get day of fun

JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Jewish Agency for Israel took 9,000 children and teenagers from southern Israel for a day of fun.

The children and teenagers on Thursday visited entertainment venues in the center and north of the country, following eight days of nearly constant rocket bombardment from Gaza during Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense.

The costs for the Jewish Agency’s respite activities were paid for by the Jewish Federations in North America, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Federation CJA and the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA.

The event was held the day after a cease-fire went into effect Wednesday at midnight between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. 

Nearly 30,000 children were taken for rest and respite out of rocket range this week by the Jewish Agency.

Like JTA on Facebook for updates on Jewish news, photos and more.

Click to write a letter to the editor.