SHLOMI, Israel (W.) March 6, 2008 -- Nine Israeli communities now have 1,690 working bomb shelters thanks to a Chicago-based nonprofit organization.The bomb shelters were officially dedicated this week, with a ceremony attended by Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak (pictured on left) and International Fellowship of Christians and Jews founder and President Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.
The project began last year and cost $10 million. It involved upgrading shelters located in privately owned residential buildings, providing protection for thousands of people.
"Given the escalating threats of war and terrorism against Israel, the completion of these shelters could not have come at a better time," Eckstein said." I'm heartened to know that thanks to our donors who gave so generously to fund this critical project, residents of northern Israel will have safe places to take refuge in the event of attack."
Barak commended the fellowship for its work.
"Although we hope there won't be a need for the residents to use these shelters, their lives are now more secure," he said. "On behalf of the State of Israel, the Ministry of Defense and the citizens of Israel, I want to thank Rabbi Eckstein and IFCJ for the security they are bringing to Israel."
