In this powerful IsraelCast episode, host Steven Shalowitz speaks with Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi live from the Jewish National Fund-USA Conference in Hollywood, Florida. Davidi paints a vivid picture of Sderot—a resilient, diverse community just 700 meters from the Gaza border, long celebrated for its music and warmth but also burdened by decades of rocket fire. He shares the personal toll of life under constant threat, recalling how his own seven children have sprinted to shelters thousands of times with only seconds to spare.
Davidi recounts the horrors of October 7, when terrorists infiltrated Sderot, murdering civilians and seizing the city's police station. Despite unimaginable danger, local police, municipal officers, and the IDF mobilized within minutes, preventing an even greater catastrophe. In the aftermath, Davidi oversaw the evacuation and care of 30,000 displaced residents—supported closely by Jewish National Fund-USA, whose decades-long presence in Sderot has included building resilience centers, indoor playgrounds, housing, and post-trauma therapy programs. With remarkable determination, Davidi reopened the city just six months into the war, jumpstarting recovery, restoring daily life, and even welcoming thousands of new residents. His message is clear: Sderot is rebuilding stronger than before, fueled by unity, courage, and the unwavering partnership of Jewish National Fund-USA.
Mayor Alon Davidi has dedicated his life to strengthening the people and future of Israel's South. After moving to Sderot more than two decades ago, he taught at the local high school and later managed the city's hesder yeshiva, quickly becoming a guiding presence for young residents living under the constant threat of rocket fire. His commitment to public service led him to serve as an advisor to Minister of Housing Effie Eitam, where he championed strategic support for vulnerable communities.
Recognizing Sderot's urgent need for safety and stability, Davidi founded the “Headquarters for the Security of Sderot,” a grassroots effort devoted to protecting families on the Gaza border. In 2013, he became mayor of Sderot—a role in which he has partnered closely with Jewish National Fund-USA to transform challenges into opportunities.
Under his tenure, Sderot has experienced remarkable growth, supported by Jewish National Fund-USA initiatives, including the development of fortified playgrounds, resilience centers, mental health programs, housing projects, and community revitalization efforts. Together, Mayor Davidi and Jewish National Fund-USA continue to advance a bold vision for a thriving, secure, and hopeful future in Israel's South.