By Laurina Driesse

In an area where the sound of a siren can change everything within seconds, community bomb shelters are far more than just a large room beneath the ground. For families living on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, they provide a place of safety, cohesion and hope. For generations, residents of the Upper Galilee region have lived with conflict and the need to remain ever alert for rocket barrages from Hizbullah.

Being prepared for such incidents is not only about having emergency teams and security forces. It is also about creating safe places where families can find refuge when danger strikes, and where children can feel secure and continue classes and activities even in times of crisis.

Thanks to donations by caring Christians in Switzerland, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has just finished renovating and restoring four large underground bomb shelters for Kibbutz Hanita, an Israeli community right on the northern border. An ICEJ team recently travelled north to dedicate one of these shelters near a children’s center and playground in Hanita.

As the ICEJ delegation descended down the newly painted stairway towards the underground shelter, we noticed the reflective strips placed on each step for better safety.

Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President for AID and Aliyah, was joined by ICEJ-Switzerland national director Dominique-Pierre Walter in putting a dedication plaque on the wall of the renovated shelter. The plaque now records the generosity of Christians who, although thousands of kilometres away, chose to care for this community.

During the visit, the ICEJ staff met Batami, from the kibbutz management council, as well as Erez, a key figure on the local emergency response team. They emphasised the importance of the community developing its own network of volunteers and emergency teams, recognising that local residents are often the first to respond in a crisis. The village of Hanita also has worked to strengthen its firefighting capabilities, medical response, and security resources.

During the most recent fighting this spring, Hanita faced repeated rocket and drone attacks from Hizbullah. Residents had to act quickly to prevent fires and protect their homes. Most families had to evacuate to safer locations across Israel, while others chose to remain behind to help safeguard the kibbutz. The experience has had a deep impact on this community.

Hanita’s history is one of amazing resilience. The kibbutz was established in 1938 and has experienced wars, evacuations, and repeated threats from across the Lebanese border. Its population once dropped to around 300 people, but eventually grew back to 684 before the latest escalation.

While a fragile ceasefire is currently still in place, around 90 percent of residents have returned home, testifying to their determination to rebuild and live together in the community.

Batami shared that the children and teenagers played a big role in the process of families returning home. For Kibbutz Hanita’s residents, seeing children playing, learning and growing up in their community is one of the clearest signs that life is returning. But recovery takes more than returning home. It requires making the community feel safe again.

The four shelters renovated thanks to ICEJ donors received much-needed cleaning, fresh coats of paint and other improvements. Walls were repaired, metal and steel doors were treated, and attention was given to making the shelters brighter and more welcoming.

Renovation specialist Shai explained that moisture and water are among the greatest threats to underground shelters. Without adequate protection, dampness can damage the walls and make the environment uncomfortable and unhealthy.

The renovation, therefore, included measures to manage moisture, mildew and condensation. Heating and air conditioning are essential in a shelter, particularly when many people may need to remain inside for extended periods. Special equipment was installed to pump out water produced by the air-conditioning system, helping to keep the shelters as dry as possible.

Small details, such as applying reflective paint to doorways and the stairwells, help people see more clearly in low-light conditions and reduce the risk of injury.

But the goal was not simply to restore the shelters from a cold underground space, but to create a protective space that can serve as a multifunctional area where community life can continue, both during times of conflict and calm.

Batami explained that they have already placed chairs, children’s colouring books, crayons, games, and painting supplies in the shelters, and that mattresses can be rolled out on the floor for children to sleep if need be. Now, children can play, sing, draw, and interact with one another in this safe environment.

During the shelter dedication, Nicole Yoder highlighted the importance of this project and the love of Christians behind it.

“I’m giving you a hug to let you know that so many people care very much about your well-being here”, she said, embracing Batami. “We are so glad to be able to help.” 

Batami responded by expressing her sincere thanks to the friends in Switzerland and to the Christian Embassy for helping with the restored shelters.

“Through your help, we feel safer, we feel connected to the world, and we feel we are not alone in this situation,” Batami assured.

“We appreciate very much all the help you have given us. We wish we could give back”, she continued. “Thank you in the name of the kids of Hanita and their parents, who know and understand that once we have this place, they can relax and be sure that their children are in a good and safe place.”

Communities along Israel’s borders still face enormous challenges. Safe shelters, emergency equipment, and upgraded community facilities remain essential to helping families recover and rebuild their lives.

Your gift to our ‘Israel in Crisis’ fund provides practical help to Israeli communities facing challenges and dangers amid the lingering conflict. It also sends a strong message of Christian solidarity to those who often feel Israel is all alone. Please consider donating today at: help.icej.org/crisis

Please watch our special video of the shelter dedication