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Israeli Kids Talk about Living near Gaza
(JNS) Noa Amouyal - A year of indiscriminate rocket attacks, riots along the border fence, and incendiary balloons has put children in Israel's Eshkol Regional Council on edge, making even those as young as five hyper-aware of their surroundings. But an afternoon with campers reveals that although they may be bruised, they love their home and will not allow Hamas to ruin their childhood. "We try not to let the security situation change our lives. As soon as we are scared to get out of our own home, they've won," said Adam Russell, 16, a camp counselor. "I love living here. I would love to raise a family here, despite what's happening." "It's sad, but this is our life," said Amit, a sixth-grader. "It's been quiet lately. But even that's stressful because we don't know when the next Red Alert will be." Naya, also in sixth grade, said, "I sometimes ask myself why do I need to know about Red Alerts? Why does a small kid need to think he or she is under attack?" A new school that will be completely fortified is opening for these children at the beginning of the academic year, supported by the region's partner, Jewish National Fund-USA. Limor Eilat, Resources Development Coordinator for the Eshkol Region, said, "For the first time, when a Red Alert blares, the children won't have to drop everything and run to a bomb shelter. For an entire generation of children, that was their 'normal.'" "People from the center of the country always ask us why we don't leave," said Or, a sixth-grade girl. "We don't want to move. Our friends are here. Our life is here. We just want to be safe."