Friends of Sderot

05/31/2026

On October 7, they came to extinguish our joy. 🇮
Our answer?
We're writing a brand new Sefer Torah. In Sderot.
Together.

The "Join the Dance" campaign is now LIVE and we need you to be part of it.
This Sefer Torah isn't just parchment and ink.
It's a declaration.
It's a celebration that no darkness can silence.
It's Sderot's living, breathing answer to those who tried to break us.
How to Join:
• Sponsor a Parsha
• Sponsor an Aliyah
• Enter the Raffle

Will you join?
👉 Help us keep the Torah thriving in Sderot. Sponsor a portion of our new Sefer Torah and enter the raffle today: https://causematch.com/join-the-dance

05/20/2026

💫Today, the Beit Midrash at Yeshivat Hesder Sderot was completely packed for a special alumni Father & Son learning event. Dozens of guys who used to sit in these very seats as talmidim came back—this time, bringing their own kids.

Seeing them open a sefer together was amazing. It really hits home that when our students leave Sderot, they aren't just taking Torah knowledge with them—they’re building a way of life for the next generation.

We also had the privilege of hearing Divrei Chizuk from our Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Duv Fendel, Sderot's Chief Rabbi Rav Dror Twil, and a special visit from Rav Shmuel Eliyahu.

The Kol Torah from the kids and the incredible family atmosphere was the perfect lead-up to the Chag.

Wishing our global Sderot family a beautiful and meaningful Shavuot!

Chag Sameach! 🌾

05/18/2026

We invite you to JOIN the DANCE!

✨This Simchat Torah, the Max and Ruth Schwartz Sderot Hesder Institutions and Friends of Sderot are completing a new Sefer Torah — a small, portable scroll built to travel to army bases and families sitting shiva.

Join the Dance:
🔹 $5,000 - Sponsor an entire Parsha, full dedication
🔹 $1,000 - Sponsor an Aliyah, name inscribed forever
🔹 $100 - 1 raffle ticket

10 raffle prizes: details in the link.
Grand prize: round-trip tickets to Israel to dance with the Sefer Torah in Sderot.

👉 Watch the video, and don’t miss out.
Campaign link in profile.

05/18/2026

🌟 Join the Dance — our response to October 7. 🇮🇱

A new Sefer Torah is being written for the heroes of Sderot.

This Torah will be different. Small. Portable. Built to travel:
→ To IDF soldiers on active bases
→ To new communities rising in the Gaza Envelope
→ To families sitting shiva who need a Torah to daven with

A living Torah. Going where it is needed most.

And just as Chevron has become the address for Parshat Chayei Sara, Sderot is becoming the address for Simchat Torah — with thousands of Jews from around the world.

This Simchat Torah, we will dance again - with a new Torah in our arms.

Read the full story, watch the video, and join us:
👉 https://mailchi.mp/53fcf34318f9/join_the_dance_1

Share this post with someone who would want to join the dance. 🙏

05/17/2026

A truly meaningful day in Sderot and the surrounding southern communities with Andy Smith from South Africa and from Australia. 🇮🇱❤️

Two friends from across the world who chose to spend their day standing with the people of Sderot — hearing the powerful stories of life before, during, and after October 7, visiting the southern sites, and experiencing firsthand the strength, resilience, and spirit.

To plan your meaningful visit to Sderot and the south, reach out to us via DM.

04/22/2026

Yom Ha'atzmaut Sameach!
Celebrating 78 years. 🇮🇱

04/21/2026

“You cannot have Yom HaAtzmaut without Yom HaZikaron.” 🇮🇱

Rabbi Ari Katz shares a powerful message from the rooftop of Yeshivat Hesder Sderot on the profound transition from our deepest sorrow to our greatest celebration.

As we honor the brave alumni we’ve lost and reflect on the miracles we’ve witnessed this year, we are reminded of the true cost of our freedom.

May we always be a free people in our land. Am Yisrael Chai! 💙

04/21/2026

A powerful Erev Yom Hazikaron at the Tent of Heroism and Remembrance in Sderot.

Hesder Yeshiva students and young women from Midrashet Maayan, along with hundreds of others, were inspired while honoring those who sacrificed for our existence.

Thank you to speakers—Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi David Fendel, and Zvika Mor (father of freed hostage Eitan Mor)—for their moving words.

We are strengthened and moved to act accordingly.

🇮🇱💔💙

04/20/2026

Yom Hazikaron 💔🎗️🇮🇱 יִזְכּוֹר

Tragically, Yeshivat Hesder Sderot lost seven of its alumni since Oct 7.

-Major Netanel Harush hy"d
-Sergeant Major Matan Damari hy"d
-Sergeant Major Neriya Shaer hy"d
-Master Sgt. (res.) Gilad Elmaliach hy”d
-Sergeant Shalev Yitzhak Sagron, hy”d
-Master Sgt. (res.) Shlomo Yehonatan Hazut, hy”d
-Sgt. (res.) Tzvi Matityahu Marantz hy”d

04/19/2026

In the news...

From Aliyah to Sderot: I built a life of Torah, challenge, and faith

Rabbanit Mechi Fendel speaks passionately about aliyah, living in Sderot, and how war, personal illness, and life's challenges built her belief that 'Israel is not just a place; it is home, and the stage on which history, faith, and daily life continue to unfold.'

Interview Dr Hanna Katan with Rabbanit Mechi Fendel