With the support of the EAJC, bomb shelters and a "safety road" have been opened in southern Israel

The Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has successfully completed a project to install ten protective structures in Israeli border communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip. In addition to the bomb shelters, the initiative included the construction of a designated "security road" in the border kibbutz of Nir Am. The official opening ceremony took place on the morning of September 22, attended by public organizations, government officials, and politicians. The project received financial support from the President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, alongside EAJC Vice Presidents David Yakobashvili, Victor Naishuller, and Boris Spektor.

Speaking at the ceremony, the head of the EAJC recalled the heavy rocket fire directed at southern Israel during Operation Breaking Dawn, the counter-terrorism operation in Gaza in early August.

"In our sacred scriptures, the Almighty offers us words of approval and encouragement. It is written: 'Your enemies will seek your support. Kings will bow to you. You shall not borrow, but you shall lend,'" Mirilashvili stated.

"Reflecting on the profound meaning of these words, we can witness their realization all around us. The entire world is literally watching us, the residents of Israel. Our former adversaries now look to us with hope and faith. They understand that we can support and assist them. Just a short while ago, this seemed impossible, yet these times have arrived—thanks to the Abraham Accords between Israel and the Arab nations. Only two years ago, these historic agreements brought to fruition what had seemed unattainable for decades, opening a new chapter in the history of the Middle East. Today, we are active participants in it.

In this regard, if former enemies and adversaries place their faith in us, we must be all the more resolute in securing our own cities and towns, ensuring that those around us believe in our capability even further. May G-d grant that the Jewish people have faith in one another, just as non-Jews believe in us. Our prosperity can only be accelerated by unity, a quality we currently lack. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I wish our nation unity, peace, and prosperity," the Congress President concluded.

Ten days following the conclusion of the Israel Defense Forces' counter-terrorism operation, Guardian of the Walls, in the Gaza Strip in late May 2021, the Jewish National Fund launched a project to construct dozens of mobile protective shelters in southern Israel, primarily within kibbutzim situated directly on the border with the Palestinian enclave. The implementation was carried out in close coordination with local regional councils and the Israel Ministry of Defense. Particular emphasis was placed on protecting agricultural areas along the border to ensure the safety of farmers in the event of potential rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

Operation Guardian of the Walls took place from May 10 to May 21, 2021. It was launched in response to heavy rocket fire directed at Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip by the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations. During the escalation, approximately 4,360 rockets were fired from the enclave toward Israel, predominantly targeting the country's southern cities. The rocket fire resulted in the deaths of eight Israelis (including a 5-year-old child) and three foreign nationals. Over 350 Israeli citizens sustained injuries of varying severity.