Several hundred Sderot residents protested at the city's entrance last night, demanding that the government restore security to their city and bring an end to rocket attacks. They marched towards nearby Shikmim Farm, the home of Prime Minister Sharon.
The number of residents in the western Negev town speaking aloud of the possibility of leaving the city is on the increase, and many are talking of their children's grave fears. Some 15 families from Hod HaSharon, north of Tel Aviv, have invited the children of Sderot to their homes to "take a break" from the tensions and dangers of living at home. The Education Ministry will dispatch 20 psychologists to meet with children, and four youth clubs will be open during the week of the Sukkot holiday. The Maccabi Health Fund will provide free psychological counseling today to those who request it.
Sderot Mayor Eli Moyal announced the cancellation of the city's holiday events. This apparently includes the solidarity concert organized by the Jewish Agency, United Jewish Communities and the Keren HaYesod organizations for the residents of Sderot.