Sad holiday in Sderot
Residents of city find it hard to celebrate Shavuot in shadow of Qassam threat
A happy holiday? Not for everyone. In Sderot, residents are out of town or, at the very least, staying indoors. Even the colorful holiday sign in the center of town cannot alleviate the dark mood that has fallen on residents after the death of Shirel Feldman from a Qassam on Monday.
"The sign was a lovely gesture by Sderot youth, but after the trauma of (Monday) night, after we were reminded once more that these Qassams can be fatal, who can be happy or celebrate?" said one resident.
As the holiday began Tuesday evening, four Qassams hit the area, one landing directly in town. Thankfully there were no casualties, but this was largely due to the fact that many residents chose to celebrate their holiday out of town.
Sign wishes Sderot residents a happy holiday (Photo: Amir Cohen)
The sentiment has possessed even long-time residents of the city, who have experienced years of rocket barrages. Resident Arieh Cohen said "my wife and children left. I eat alone every night and this really won't be a holiday. Who can celebrate like this?"
While most of the residents seem to agree with him, there are some who are taking a different approach. Shimon Biton said he intends to celebrate as much as possible. "Let the other side mourn," he said.
Orthodox worshipper Sason Sarah, who wanted to celebrate, lamented the logistical problem that it will difficult to find a minyan in the city. "Because of the situation, some synagogues will not be open. I will have to find a minyan in advance."
Where is the minyan? (Photo: Amir Cohen)
Danny Dahan, who owns a supermarket in town, has felt the difference in atmosphere for this holiday. His sales and customers are down significantly from previous years. "People barely come and when they arrive, they buy very few things.
"If the Color Red alert goes off while people are shopping, they leave their groceries and run. There's also a personnel problem: workers don't come in because they're afraid and I can't force them to."
According to Dahan, even a massive holiday sale on dairy products did not encourage customers to come into the supermarket. "Usually during Shavuot, the dairy refrigerators are empty and we need to bring in extra supplies. Today, there's plenty of food left."
Like most of Sderot's residents, rescue team members will not be celebrating the holiday properly: They will be on high alert for attacks. Paramedic Yossi Cohen hoped to celebrate at home with his family, but was forced to stay at the station.
"It's sad not to be with my family for the holiday, but someone has to be here," he said.
