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UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Partnership: Sderot

Sderot - just one kilometer from the Gaza Strip and under relentless missile fire for 14 years - has become a symbol of the region's remarkable resilience.  Despite economic hardship and limited infrastructure, the social fabric of Sderot has remained strong.  Students and young determined families have moved to the city to rebuild, revitalize and strengthen the community.  

 

Since 2006, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has been a steadfast supporter of the city and people of Sderot.  

 

The Partnership’s strategic investments support the development of a strong, resilient community by:

  • Enhancing the quality of the municipal educational system so that it attracts young families to the area, thereby strengthening the city through demographic growth
  • Improving healthcare services in the region
  • Developing employment opportunities

 

Working with local leadership – within the municipality and local NGOs – the partnership has:

  • Provided more than $5 million in funding for programs and capital projects
  • Invested significantly in teens and young adults, some of whom are already assuming leadership roles within the community
  • Funded construction of the second floor of the community centre, enabling it to become a hub of activity and local cohesion
  • Supported a process of long-term strategic planning, on both a grassroots and municipal level
  • Facilitated collaboration between local NGOs, enabling the sharing of knowledge and leveraging of additional funds.

STEM Education Initiative

(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

The partnership’s current flagship project will significantly improve education in Sderot by raising academic standards, strengthening the city’s economic base and attracting and retaining skilled residents. 

 

STEM goals are to:

  • Improve math and science curriculum at all grade levels
  • Increase the number of high school students majoring in math and science.
  • Upgrade the skills of science teachers  
  • Improve the physical infrastructure for science and technology education

 

Current STEM programs include:

  • Implementing an interactive robotics program for kindergarten students
  • Providing computers and other technology equipment for kindergartens
  • Establishing two municipal science centers for elementary school students
  • Providing in-service training for science and math teachers of all grades

  • Crisis Activities

    When Sderot is barraged by rocket fire, the partnership responds quickly and efficiently to support the local population. Assistance during past rocket attacks has included activities for children in bomb shelters, buying toys and games, assisting the elderly and those with special needs and funding respite trips to the center of the country for children and the elderly.