Resident update Wednesday 18.10 at 18:00

Dear residents,

In these complex days, the background noises we are used to hearing have changed.The sounds of vehicles are replaced by the sounds of explosions and the sounds of birds are replaced by the sounds of gunfire. Every noise sounds suspicious, and loud and naturally increases the fear and anxiety that accompanies us during this period. Efrat's security center is staffed 24/7 with professional and high-quality operators. They receive every report and forward it to the inspection of the security and rescue forces and make sure that there is no attempt to harm the residents. If they have a slight doubt, they send the security forces and issue a message to the residents with instructions.The hotline, the security department and the public information team work closely together so that we can significantly reduce the time it takes to get the information out to the residents.

The sounds of gunfire and the echoes of explosions come from several locations:

1. The Northern entrance road to Efrat that leads up to Khirba Aliya, Bethlehem and the Deheishe refugee camp is a well-known point of friction.Because of the proximity to the access road to Northern Efrat, there are foot soldiers on the spot. If necessary, security forces are called to there to push the rioters into the village and make it possible to maintain continuous movement on the road for the Efrat residents. The rescue forces often use means to disperse demonstrations, including stun grenades, smoke grenades and more, which are audible in the northern neighborhoods.

2. The shooting ranges in the Etzion Brigade and Caliber 3 that are located in the southern area beyond the Efrat Tekoa road, now operate non-stop to provide the soldiers and residents with firearms permits.

3. You can also hear the activities of the IDF and the security forces inside the Arab villages in the Etzion area and unfortunately there are also attempts to shoot at the forces. Along with the military activity initiated in the villages, there are also fireworks that we have been hearing for years.

4. During the last week there were even sounds of air force activity in the Gaza Strip.The route of the planes, which includes large open areas increases the intensity of the noise and sometimes these sound as though they are in our "backyard".

Unfortunately, it seems that the sounds of fighting will continue to accompany us in the near future. Therefore, if there is any suspicion or doubt, call the security hotline *5436. That's what we're here for. If it is an unusual event or an event that has effects on the residents of the neighborhood, we will issue a notice and update immediately.

Emotional support for the residents of Efrat: The current situation increases the level of anxiety and worry. A team of psychologists and social workers of the Social Services Division and Resilience Center are here for you. Contact details for a professional response and emotional support for children and adults.

https://www.efrat.muni.il/.../%D7%97%D7%93%D7%A9%D7%95.../

The Education Department: With significant effort, the education department managed to open 27 out of 29 ganim today. The elementary schools and high schools in Efrat, with the exception of Yeshivat Neve Shmuel, also returned to partial learning.

On Friday 20/10 there will be no classes in Efrat to allow the staff of school teachers and preschool teachers to have a day off and conserve energy for next week.The operating hours of the schools and the list of preschools for tomorrow is on the council's website. Please note that in order to track the changes we indicate the time that the spreadsheet was updated.

https://www.efrat.muni.il/he/1622/?preview=d5ew6s16a41w15

At the beginning of next week, the seniors program will resume: Mofet Center and the Senior Day Center. In order to have a protected space, the activity will take place at the Orot Yehuda Yeshiva in Zayit.

Emuna Daycare Center: today 4 preschools were opened for enlisted parents and essential workers.To check eligibility, contact the Daycare administration.

We are attaching again the links to help host families and volunteering

Link to host familieshttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=YahR1FWGEUaAnrtmuUll6U0FMybWhnFOqKaNUO6W04tUOFRYRkdINzNVQ0NETVdCTEswNkpCSFNNNC4u

Link to volunteeringhttps://www.coing.co/Efrat_Main

We will continue to update,The Public Information Team