Playground Shelters: Protecting Our Young Children in Tzfat

Sparks to Life is a 100% volunteer-powered nonprofit organization based in Tzfat, Israel. We are partnering with Operation Lifeshield to bring life-saving shelters to playgrounds in northern Israel, where our children are growing up under the threat of daily rocket attacks..

Our community in Tzfat has faced an increasing number of rocket attacks, leaving parents and children in a constant state of anxiety. Tzfat is a sweet little city that is home to 40,000 residents, including 16,000 children. With large families in small apartments, children and parents both enjoy the time that little ones can get out of the house for fresh air and sunshine and to release energy through physical activity and social interactions. Playgrounds should be places of laughter and fun but, without adequate protection from the dangers that lurk just 30 seconds away when a siren sounds, they have become off-limits.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Tzfat, a city steeped in history and beauty, is also close to several military bases and houses the main hospital for our region. This proximity places our children at even greater risk during times of conflict. Although we’ve been fortunate to have relatively few physical injuries, the psychological impact is severe.

Our children deserve safe spaces to play and grow without fear of sudden rocket fire. This is why we are focusing on bringing shelters specifically to playgrounds, where children can continue to enjoy their childhood while staying safe.

Together with partners like Operation Lifeshield, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, CEJP, and generous donors around the world, we have already brought over 30 shelters to preschools in our city. Now, we are focusing on playgrounds. We are working in close cooperation with Home Front Command and the Tzfat Municipality, to ensure the shelters are placed where they are needed most. Our goal is to install shelters in as many playgrounds as possible, protecting both the physical and emotional well-being of our young ones.

Your support for playground shelters will not only provide physical security for our children, but also peace of mind for their parents. Every shelter installed is a step towards a safer, less fearful future for our community’s kids.

**Donate today** to help us bring safety to our playgrounds. Every dollar helps, and every shelter installed is a life potentially saved. Please share this campaign with your friends and family, and help us continue the vital work of keeping our children safe, even at play. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.