Help Preschool Kids with Disabilities in Ashkelon

Dear Friend,

In Ashkelon, the city that has received the most rocket fire in Israel, Chimes Israel continues its mission to protect and nurture preschool children with disabilities. These children, some unable to walk, speak, or reach shelter on their own, are among Israel’s most vulnerable. During every round of rocket fire, their safety and development hang in the balance.

Our current early childhood centers, spread across four small residential houses, are overcrowded, lack wheelchair access, have steep stairs, and are minimally protected. When sirens sound, there are only 30 seconds to reach safety. The children never get down the stairs to the safe room in time, which doesn't even fit all. This heartbreaking reality drives our urgent project to build a fortified rehabilitative early childhood center designed specifically for children with disabilities.

A Major Step Forward: Securing Land for the New Center

We are thrilled to share that Chimes Israel has identified land for the new center and is moving forward to obtain it. This is a major step toward our vision of creating a secure, purpose-built home for the children of Ashkelon. While the municipality had originally planned to allocate land, that option is no longer available. By acquiring the property ourselves, we will ensure that our children’s safety and care are never dependent on external circumstances.

We are about 60% funded and must bridge a $1.5 million gap to make the project a reality.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

This year’s conflicts—from Gaza to Iran—have underscored the urgency of our mission. During repeated missile attacks, our centers were forced to close. Children lost access to therapies, regressed in their progress, and families were left struggling at home. Our staff responded heroically, providing therapy equipment, remote sessions, and even home visits under fire. But the reality is clear: children cannot thrive without a safe, fortified center to call home.

The new building will include protected classrooms, therapy rooms, accessible playgrounds, and a large, reinforced shelter that can hold every child and staff member. It will allow uninterrupted rehabilitation and early intervention, even during emergencies, giving children the chance to keep learning, growing, and developing their abilities safely.

Together, We Can Build This Sanctuary

Donor support has already brought us nearly two-thirds of the way toward this dream. With your continued partnership, we can cross the finish line and give these children the secure, nurturing environment they deserve.

Each gift brings us closer to a place where no parent in Ashkelon will have to choose between their child’s safety and their child’s progress.

Thank you for standing with us and believing in a future where every child, no matter their challenges, can learn, grow, and thrive in peace.

With gratitude and hope, The Chimes Israel Team