August 24, 2008 / 23 Av 5768

On June 5th, 2008 at 11:30 AM, a Kassam rocket fell on Kibbutz Nir Oz.  A member of a nearby kibbutz was killed, and two residents of Rahat, Mr. Abu Samir and Mr. Aluvra Hald, were critically wounded.  When I was alerted of the attacks, I raced to Soroka Hospital, where I saw ambulances transporting the injured, surrounded by members of the press.  It was immediately clear that the events unfolding before me were tragic and painful.  I was informed that Mr. Abu Elasal, who was wounded in the attack, was taken directly into surgery upon arrival where he underwent 11 hours of life saving operations.  Mr. Aluvra Hald was taken to the cardiology unit where doctors wrestled with a piece of shrapnel lodged in his heart. 
         
As I waited with the families and loved ones of those injured, I received countless phone calls from government organizations and agencies, offering support and assistance.
           
The families of the injured citizens have asked me to extend their thanks for the professionalism, care and consideration of the welfare agency employees who did everything in their power to ease the plight of these victims of terror.  I personally thank you for your generosity and assistance with no distinctions to gender, race, religion, ethnicity or nationality. 
          
I would like to recognize the Jewish Agency for Israel's assistance and commitment to helping victims of terror.  

Sincerely,
Talel Alkriani
Mayor of Rahat