In the remote Bedouin villages of the Negev, the attacks of October 7 accelerated the need for shelter from Hamas rockets. These tiny enclaves were totally out in the open and unprotected, and the solution to their problem came in the form of an unconventional idea. Yanabia, a Federation grantee, helped bring the novel concept of using empty shipping containers to create underground shelters to life.

“The residents of the villages are very excited about the protection project. There are a lot of inquiries from people asking us to reach them. After all the dirt is filled in, they are grateful — you can really see the relief on their faces.”
– Desert Stars Volunteer

Working in conjunction with Desert Stars (a program for the training and nurturing of Bedouin youth), Yanabia initiated the project, handing Desert Stars the task of implementation. Empty shipping containers, purchased with Yanabia financing, were trucked to the centers of these Negev villages and buried in the ground — becoming life-saving spaces within these settlements.

The circumstances were difficult (remote locations, unforgiving rocky ground, and cultural considerations for the placement of shelters), but with strong coordination and hard work by volunteers, they are now realities. This project also indirectly helped bolster local contractors, whose livelihoods were affected by the state of emergency. This effort is a prime example of our commitment to a shared society that is at the core of the Federation’s work.