After two difficult years during which we were forced to leave our homes and disperse across Israel, we returned in May 2025 with passion and love to rebuild and restore “life” to the children of Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee.
At first, the focus was simple: to reopen our gates as quickly as possible so children could come and play freely again. Slowly, step by step, we worked to bring the center back to life—not only physically, but emotionally. What mattered most was creating a place where children could return to a sense of routine, connection, and joy.
Alongside this, we focused on helping children process everything they had been through—offering support, structure, and a sense of belonging. And it worked. Children came back. Energy returned. There was a feeling that, despite everything, we were moving forward.
And now, once again, everything has changed.
With the renewed fighting in the north, we have been forced to close the tennis center. In Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding areas, the reality is immediate and unpredictable. There is often little to no warning, making it impossible to maintain even a basic daily routine and to safely reopen under any framework.
The children of Kiryat Shmona and those living along the border have remained in their homes since the start of the fighting. There is almost no opportunity for relief. Even stepping outside can carry real risk.
This reality is deeply affecting the children.
Through our daily contact with them, we are seeing high levels of stress, emotional regression, and the impact of prolonged isolation. The inability to leave home, to move, to interact with friends—these are not small things. They are essential parts of a child’s life, and without them, the challenges grow heavier each day.
And still, we continue to show up.
We have created daily opportunities to stay connected—through virtual activities, conversations, and moments of movement and support. It is not the same as being together on the court, but it allows us to maintain a consistent presence in their lives.
The overall feeling here is that we have gone backwards in many ways—socially, emotionally, and mentally. And yet, even in this, there is resilience.
We returned with the hope of rebuilding something strong and lasting for our children. That hope has not disappeared. It is simply being tested once again.
We continue to hold on to the belief that better days are ahead—and that when they come, we will once again open our gates, welcome our children back, and continue the work of restoring “life” to this community.
Until then, we continue, however we can.
Kiryat Shmona, Summer Camp 2025