Racing for Safety in Israel 

As the threat of missile fire reaches deep into central Israel, a critical shortage of bomb shelters has left families and elderly Holocaust survivors with almost nowhere to hide. In a region that was historically beyond the reach of missiles, that safety is now gone. CBN Israel's Roberto Torres-Cedillo reports from the ground, detailing the sheer physical and emotional toll this reality takes on residents. Among them is Soni, a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor who has lived through many wars in Israel but now faces an impossible daily race for survival. "32 flights of stairs. Eight times in a day. 92 years old. 90 seconds," Torres-Cedillo emphasizes. Walking through a local stairwell, he explains, “Tamar was telling me that this is the flight of steps that her mom has to take to get to the bomb shelter. But you only have a minute and 30 seconds to get there. With a walker, there is no way they're getting there on time.”

Amidst the danger, Torres-Cedillo shares a moment of faith, stating, “We are praying, so that the God of the Angel Army protects Israel.” 

The danger in central Israel has shifted drastically since October 7th, turning this densely populated region into a zone with far too few bomb shelters. For seniors like Soni, seeking safety can result in physical injury. Her daughter, Tamar, describes the bitter conditions they endured: “It was very hard... very hard for me and more for her. We had to sit in the shelter, and it was freezing. She broke three ribs and she has pain in the knee. And she's scared, you know." For Soni and Tamar, receiving a call for help felt nothing short of miraculous. "So it was very exciting when you called me," Tamar shares. "We feel like there’s an angel here somewhere watching us.” 

In an intimate conversation with Sonya, Torres-Cedillo asks, “Do you feel like when you see people helping in small ways, do you have hope for the future?" Sonya reflects deeply on the international support reaching her homeland: “It's good to know that someone over there, over the sea, so far 10,000 kilometers... thinking how they can help other people. It's not the first time, you understand. It's like it's a way of life. It's not supposed to be like this.” When Torres-Cedillo reassures her that it won't stay this way forever, Sonya asks him to imagine a peaceful future and the prosperity it would bring.

“That's what Israel is supposed to be, right? A light to the nations," Torres-Cedillo responds. "And the nations will come. That's the hope. That's why we support you and we stand with you.” Fully moved, Sonya replies, “Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.” 

While Soni is now safer, closer to help, and closer to a shelter, families with young children across central Israel are still desperately searching for protection. Standing on a street in Rishon LeZion, Torres-Cedillo highlights the systemic infrastructure gap. “I'm in the central part of Israel in a city called Rishon Letsion," he notes. "And on this street you can see behind me, there are no bomb shelters except four in that daycare and in this daycare. These four bomb shelters were donated by CBN Israel. Because of the location here in the central part of Israel, there weren't enough bomb shelters built.

Historically, Israel has been attacked on the north and in the south. So what's happening here is that families, communities don't have enough bomb shelters. So what is the solution? We need support.

CBN Israel has built four bomb shelters here, but the reality is that more are needed during this critical time.” 

To show the direct impact of these efforts, Torres-Cedillo speaks with Alice, a mother who describes the logistical nightmare of managing a family during air raids. “I was looking for a solution," Alice recalls. "I did sleep in the shelter in the building for two days. But it's just impossible because when she needs her bottle, I have to go up... And if there are sirens, they can't. Right. It's just... It's shared. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So all the people are there. And also the entire street comes to our shelter because they don't have shelters. In their buildings.” When Torres-Cedillo asks how cramped the public shelters get when everyone crowds inside, Alice responds, “I would say like 50 people." She notes that while another family sleeps in the day care shelter, they don't spend their days there like her family does.

Torres-Cedillo reflects on the meaning behind the safety structure, stating, “This shelter was donated in memory of Dr. Pat Robertson to provide protection and comfort for our dear friends,” to which Alice simply replies, “Fulfilling its purpose.” "That's amazing," says Torres-Cedillo. 

The humanitarian mission of CBN Israel remains dedicated to ensuring that no family faces this crisis alone. "It's because of friends and donors of Sibyan Israel that we can be here and tell Alice and her three kids and other families, we see you, we support you," Torres-Cedillo concludes. "You're not alone through this crisis. People in Israel are hurting. But we can be a source of strength, of comfort, of resilience for them in this critical time.” By giving, supporters reach Holocaust survivors, shield families under fire, and stand with those who have nowhere else to turn—ensuring they are never forgotten.