At least 25 mortar shells were fired at Israel from Gaza on Tuesday morning, just as parents were getting set to bring children to school.
One of the mortars hit a kindergarten.
While no injuries were reported as a result of the attacks, the Red Alert warning sirens sent shockwaves through Israeli communities. In some communities, residents have just a few seconds after the siren goes off to find cover before the explosion is expected to occur.
Adele Raemer, a resident of Kibbutz Nirim, explained the immense pressure residents of border communities faced this morning when trying to find shelter during a missile attack.
“Our grandchildren have never heard the Red Alert before,” said Raemer. “I have a granddaughter who is 3 years old, who was totally caught unaware. … Her mother was on her own at home with the 3-year-old and with a 7-month-old baby. When the Red Alert went off, she immediately threw herself on the floor. … Her mother had to try and figure out a way to get the baby and her 3-year-old into the safe room at the same time, while she hears the Red Alerts going off, while she hears the explosions in the background.”
Adva Klein, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, said that while her bedroom is her home’s reinforced safe room, “it doesn’t take away from the sounds, and the noise and the thoughts.”