Vision to Reality: The Reut Blog

The decision by the Mayor of Sderot to re-open the local swimming pool is a good example of trying to create a Civilian Network that strengthens resilience.

The home front team is currently studying the concept of how strong ‘Civilian Networks’ are created and what the role of the state and local government is in the process.

This is particularly relevant in Sderot where the mayor, Mr. David Buskila, stated that “The Kassams will not dictate our life… the pool in Sderot is a symbol of the local leisure culture. The current process in Sderot aims to reward the citizens for their civil resilience…”

Despite the swimming pool lacking protection from the Kassam rockets, its opening was prioritized as it represented a local symbol of leisure and a place that facilitates the building of communal social relationships.

Furthermore, the mayor makes the connection between preserving routine and the civil resilience and quality of life of the local population. The pool’s opening “shows that life which is not dependent on terror is possible. Building new parks and re-opening the pool will strengthen civil resilience and improve the quality of life in the city.”