Sderot
Sderot is a town of about 30,000 residents, in the northwestern Negev. Being less than a mile away from the Gaza strip, Sderot is known for being the most targeted city in Israel by rockets from Gaza. In the last 20 years, about 10,000 rockets and mortars have hit the city, killing 13 and injuring hundreds. Yet, Sderot continues to prosper, truely demonstrating Israeli resilience.
October 7th 2023 Hamas Attack on Sderot
On October 7th 2023 Hamas militants reached Sderot with white Toyota pickup trucks. They killed 15 elders waiting at a bus station to join a tour and other civilians they encountered. They then attacked the local police station, and killing eighteen policemen, they took control of the building. Special forces, a tank, and a bulldozer were used to demolish the police station, killing the 25 remaining gunmen inside. The town was secured after 16 hours, although rockets were launched from Gaza in the following days causing more casualties.
Touring Sderot
Sderot at first glance looks like a typical Israeli town. The special measurements taken to protect its residents from rocket attacks may not be noticed right away. However, after taking a better look, every bus station has a safe room in case of a siren alert. Being so close to the border, the siren only gives a 15 second warning. Safe rooms are also installed in every house, and all windows facing Gaza have reinforced concrete shields. Safe rooms are also spread throughout all playgrounds and schools.
A rocket display can be seen at Sderot’s religious school (Yeshivat Hesder). On its rooftop, nine Hamas rockets are set as a Jewish candelabra (Hannukiah). The rooftop is also a good point of view towards Gaza Strip.
A tour of Sderot can be combined with a guided day tour to sites surrounding the Gaza Strip.