Sderot, The Police Station, And The Battle On October 7th 2023

Sderot

Sderot (previously called Gabim Dorot), is a small city located in the northwestern of the Negev, a little less than a kilometer from the Gaza Strip. About 35,000 residents live in Sderot and it is a symbol of the resilience and determination of Israelis. Despite being the city that has been hit by over 20,000 rockets and mortars in the last two decades, the community continues to thrive and grow, and the city is a symbol of courage and hope.

Sderot Massacre on October 7th 

On October 7, 2023, Sderot faced one of its darkest days, when Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack on the city. The terrorists arrived riding on white Toyota vans, just like ISIS, and first attacked a gas station store at the entrance to the town, luckily, the door was stuck and the terrorists could not get in and kill.

The terrorists then identified a bus stop where 16 elderly citizens were waiting for their driver to change a tire, all of them were mercilessly murdered. After that, the Nuchba terrorists stormed the local police station, killed 19 policemen, and took over the police building, the goal was to raise the Hamas flag and occupy the city.

The central focus was the police building of Sderot and a fierce battle developed over it, and after 16 difficult hours, special forces, a tank, and a bulldozer were used to neutralize the threat. The IDF tank was brought and fired a shell and destroyed the police station with 23 terrorists inside. In the following days, Sderot was targeted again, which added to the number of casualties and damage in the city.

The battle of Sderot ended with a total of 73 civilians and police officers killed on October 7.

Today, where the police building stood, a commemorative site is built and you can see two amazing wall paintings illustrating the events painted by the southern artist Eliasaf Miara.

Sderot Observation Point Over Gaza

The Sderot Observatory, located in the western part of Sderot, provides a unique and moving perspective on the Gaza Strip. From the lookout, you can see the Palestinian settlements and areas beyond the border, a distance of only about a kilometer.

At first glance, the surrounding green landscape creates a feeling of peace, but with a more focused look, you can see that not everything is rosy and the enemy is around the corner. From this lookout, alarms and gunfire are often heard during tense times, and it serves as a tangible reminder of the complex reality of the residents.

There are signs explaining the history and the area, and an observation map with geographic landmarks is displayed that clarify the proximity between Sderot and the Gaza Strip.

The Community at the Forefront

Sderot also known as the bomb shelter capital of the world, is more than just a city that stands as a human shield near the Gaza Strip, it is a community that embodies the Israeli spirit of resilience. Next to every bus stop, there is a security room (Migunit), designed to protect the residents from frequent missile attacks that give a warning of only 15 seconds! Homes, schools, and playgrounds are all equipped with safety rooms, and many windows facing Gaza are fortified with reinforced concrete shields. These renderings are a stark reminder of the city's reality, but they also symbolize the unbreakable spirit of its residents.

A Visit to Sderot

The visit to Sderot offers a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a city that lives under constant threat from missile attacks and terrorist infiltration attempts. One of the prominent sites is the display of rockets fired from Gaza at the Hesder yeshiva, a local religious school. The rockets collected from the city streets are installed on the roof as a menorah, a symbol of power and faith. From the roof, you can also see Gaza.

The residents of Sderot are a diverse mix of families, young professionals, and older generations from North African countries who have made the city their home despite the risks. Over the years, Sderot has developed a strong sense of community, with cultural events, educational initiatives, and public art that reflect both the challenges and the resilience of its people. The city's population is known for its close-knit community spirit, where neighbors look out for each other.

The Future of Sderot

Despite the constant threats from the Gaza Strip, Sderot not only survives but plans for the future. The city invests in infrastructure, education, and community projects aimed at improving the quality of life of its residents, and in 2024 the highest demand for buying an apartment was found precisely in Sderot. There are efforts to expand the local economy, attract new businesses such as factories and high-tech areas, and develop public spaces that will attract the young population to the city.

The Israeli government and international supporters such as JNF USA, donate many funds that improve the city. Plans for new housing developments, parks, and educational facilities are underway, and the local community is being rebuilt.

Come Visit Sderot

Sderot is a symbol of bravery and hope, in the face of great difficulty, the city not only survived but created a unique identity that is hard to break.

The Sderot tours can be combined with guided private tours of the Gaza Envelope, which provide a deeper understanding of the complex history of the area and the ongoing challenges.