Sderot cancels summer

SDEROT - Day camps were canceled indefinitely, and a visit from U.S. swimming legend Mark Spitz also fell victim Sunday to the continuing Palestinian barrage of mortars and Qassam rockets from the nearby Gaza Strip. Mayor Eli Moyal announced the cancellation Sunday, and said national politicians would not be welcome in Sderot, in order to stop what he called the "march of foolishness" that happens every time there is an attack on the city. "The important people here are President Moshe Katsav, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. They are the only ones who can provide answers and solutions to people here who fear for their lives," he said. Nonstop attacks Moyal added the city could not continue to function if rockets keep falling. "I cannot take responsibility for children in day camps when Qassams have been pelting us, one after another. In recent days, it's been nonstop," he said. Sunday, one Qassam landed near a gas station, and a second fell near Kibbutz Niram. Two people were treated for shock. Pool closed, Spitz visit canceled The city management decided to close the public swimming pool. Several rockets in recent months have fallen in the immediate vicinity of the pool. Moyal even canceled a scheduled event with Olympic gold medalist swimmer Mark Spitz, visiting Israel for the Maccabiah Games. Spitz was scheduled to give swimming lessons to Sderot children. "I think this could be dangerous as well," said Moyal. "I am not willing to put Mark, or the children of Sderot, in danger." In past attacks, the Sderot municipality has pointedly maintained daily routine in Sderot in the face of Qassam attacks. During the school year children remained in classrooms while the city was under attack, because city officials felt they were safer there than walking the streets to get home. "The prime minister and other government ministers visited Sderot and promised to defend the city," said Moyal. "But the money never came. It's stuck between several ministries, and as of right now many schools and kindergartens are not protected."

Sderot cancels summer

Qassam barrage from Gaza continues; mayor: 'can't take responsibility for kids when rockets falling nonstop'