We heard the first warning, waited for the second warning, and then they told us to enter the protected space", says Yoram Suki, a resident whose building was struck. "We had a minute and a half. We went in, closed the door - me, my wife, and daughter. After a minute and a half, there were booms above in the sky. Half a minute later, there was the big boom, everything crashed, and we didn't feel anything. The safe room saved us."
Last night's Iranian missile attack has left hundreds of Israeli families homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
>> For immediate emergency assistance - help a family tonight
The destruction is unprecedented. Entire buildings were destroyed, with families trapped for hours before rescue teams could reach them. "Our eyes went dark. The entire apartment was smashed. The walls flew off, the glass and televisions exploded, wall cabinets and kitchen cabinets... nothing remained. Everything was crushed", Suki describes upon seeing his home.
"We managed to enter the safe room, and then there was a really strong boom", reports Olga Yelin, another resident. "When there was a really, really strong boom, we understood something more serious was happening. We stayed for some more time, all the electricity was cut off, and then we were in darkness, which is not pleasant."
>> To provide emergency housing for a displaced family - secure immediate help here
Rescue operations involved evacuating families down multiple flights of stairs in complete darkness. "Within a few minutes, Home Front Command personnel arrived and evacuated us quickly, hugged us, and took us. They told us 'Guys, come on out.' They watched over us, took us by the hand, and took my 14-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who was scared. Someone took her down all seven floors to the bottom", Suki recalls.
Emergency housing costs $180 per family per night in hotels. Most families have exhausted their savings after just one week of displacement.
"We thought it was good that the children and grandchildren weren't with us", says Olga about seeing the direct hit on the neighboring building. "We understood we were okay. It's scary, but we know where we are, and as long as you understand you're okay, you continue."
>> These families need emergency shelter tonight - spots are filling up fast
Despite their strength, these families have lost everything - homes, possessions, and a sense of security. "God watched over us from heaven, we need to continue being strong", say the residents of the damaged buildings.
Organization Shomrei Yisrael has launched an emergency campaign to provide a comfortable shelter for these families who have already endured so much stress and fear. These refugees now find themselves in dire need of the most basic essentials - food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
Every donation provides immediate relief for families who lost everything in one night.
Please donate as generously as you can.