As Israelis slept early Sunday morning, an Iranian missile with a half-ton warhead suddenly tore through a residential neighbourhood in the coastal town of Bat Yam.

In a flash, lives were shattered, homes ripped apart, and shards of glass rained in all directions. This typically quiet community instantly turned into a ghastly scene of thick smoke, frightened screams, mounds of rubble, flipped cars and blaring sirens. This was ground zero for the deadliest missile strike yet in Iran’s desperate bid to draw Israeli blood since the start of “Operation Rising Lion” last Thursday night.

“There’s nothing left. No house. That’s it,” shouted Yivgenya Dudka, staring in disbelief at the scraps that remained of her apartment, according to AFP.

The missile landed at 2:45 AM, catching many off guard in the middle of the night. The rocket struck directly on the sixth floor of a tall apartment building, causing an entire side of the building to collapse. The concussion wave from the blast damaged buildings and cars for several blocks all around. Seven people were killed, including an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, their lives cut short in the very place they should have been safest. Dozens more were injured, some critically. Scores of others were saved by mere seconds when they reached stairwells or bomb shelters just in time.

… Many Israeli families are hurting from the loss of home and loved ones, yet they remain determined to press on toward a better future. The ICEJ is there at ground zero in Bat Yam, and all across Israel, on your behalf. Help us meet the urgent needs of those left homeless by the missiles of a fanatical enemy. Your gift to our “Israel in Crisis” fund can help us provide store vouchers for evacuated families to purchase food, clothing, and other essential items, and offer the children summer therapy camps and other urgent trauma care. So, please give today!