Sderot Indoor Recreation Center

Over the past few years, the Israeli communities on the border with Gaza have endured continual Kassam rocket attacks. These attacks are untargeted, and many have hit residences and schools, killing 11 citizens and hurting hundreds more. The city of Sderot, located on the border with Gaza, has been hardest hit — its children growing up in the shadow of violence, fear, and uncertainty. The town’s 3,000 children are forced to remain indoors all day rather than risk the chance that they won’t be able to reach a bomb shelter quickly enough during a rocket attack. Parents cannot send their children outside to play on a beautiful day. Soccer fields are no longer home to after-school games. There is no sound of laughter, cries, or any other usual childhood noise.

JNF has embarked on a massive project: building the largest indoor playground in Israel. The all-inclusive Indoor Recreation Center opened on March 10, 2009 to provide Sderot’s youth with a place to have fun, connect with friends, enjoy stimulating classes, and be children, beyond the conflict. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are playing and learning in an environment that is safe and secure. 

The 21,000 square-foot indoor recreation center is a $5 million project, featuring:

• Recreational and exercise facilities for children ages 16 and under
• Jungle gym equipment
• Soccer field and volleyball court
• Rock climbing wall
• Snack area and gift shop
• Movie and television area
• Disco, swing sets and more
• 3 therapy rooms to help children suffering from trauma