Dear Dov,
The city of Ofakim, which was is in an unprecedented boom of growth and development, received on Saturday, October 7, a serious blow. The most criminal terrorist attack the State of Israel has ever known did not spare our home, and claimed the lives of approximately 48 of the city’s residents, while hundreds, if not thousands, of additional residents will be left wounded and scarred in their souls for the rest of their lives.
While we were licking our wounds, a convoy of heavenly angels appeared, and among them you and the Greater MetroWest Federation, who in your kindness contributed to the restoration of the city and its inhabitants. Allow me to express my deep gratitude to you and the Greater MetroWest New Jersey Federation community, for decades of true partnership, together with the Ofakim community, a partnership that is an example and a model for connecting the Jewish identity in Israel and overseas.
The war that was imposed on us in Simchat Torah tightened and strengthened the stable and strong bond that exists between the communities, and was manifested in important and extensive assistance, which allows us to serve the residents of Ofakim in this difficult time.
For that and for your generous and meaningful help, we have no words to express the deep gratitude that is given in our hearts. In a difficult time like this, one of the hardest that the city has known, in which so many of our friends and neighbors were hurt, you were an invaluable help to us, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will be happy to update you on the details of the city’s reconstruction and construction process. And again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity, and for the support you have given us.
I wish you and your family members good health, and good news for all the people of Israel.
With great appreciation and love,
Itzik Danino, Mayor of Ofakim