Monday, March 9, 2026
Ten days into the war, daily life has moved into a kind of emergency routine more quickly than it did during the previous round. People have a clearer understanding of what missile attacks from Iran mean and what they require of us. That familiarity does not make the situation less frightening — but it does reduce some of the confusion and chaos that characterized the early days last time.
Many of the systems that took time to organize previously were activated almost immediately this time. Online programming started within days. Competitive athletes returned to training as soon as regulations allowed — within less than a week from the start of the war. Staff began checking in with members and connecting those who need help with volunteers and support services more quickly than before.
Pool Construction Continues
Pool construction is continuing as planned due to our permit from the Home Front Command. They are working between sirens. Gil, head of operations, comes to The Center every day to oversee construction.
Missile Strikes Near Our Community
There have been several very close missile and shrapnel hits over the past week in Tel Aviv and near the Sport Center itself, including in the park nearby. Thankfully, everyone is OK.
We have some members, including families from the preschool program, who cannot reach a shelter in time and are spending much of their time in public shelters. This brings to mind Boaz’s blog post from the last round with Iran in June about the importance of ensuring people with disabilities are protected if we truly want to be different from the darkness we are fighting.
Virtual Programs and Support
Within two days of the beginning of the war, our virtual classes were activated. Pavel is coordinating them on our end in partnership with two other organizations.
Attendance has been strong. One of Angela’s classes had 52 participants one day and 30 another. These sessions provide an important break from the monotony and stress of the war days.
The preschool is also holding online meetings with the children and their families. The satellite program in the south will begin online classes this week. The main online program includes several children’s activities, including exercise and art classes.
More members are also using The Center’s support services for tools to cope with the situation. Even people who were able to resume coming to The Center this week are looking for guidance on managing stress and maintaining routines during the war. Staff are also helping connect members with volunteers — for example, assisting people who cannot leave the house and need help getting medication or other essentials.
Community Response
Compared with the previous round, there is a sense that people know what to do and are settling into emergency routines more quickly. Ayelet, as Head of Social Services, program heads, and coaches are in touch with athletes and families to check how they are doing and to offer support where needed.
Limited Reopening of The Center
While schools remain closed, Israel Home Front Command is encouraging institutions to reopen as much as possible within safety guidelines.
Based on the current rules being loosened, our doors reopened on Friday, March 6, with very strict and limited conditions:
- Up to 50 people on campus at any given time
- No free activities
- The weight room is open with a maximum of 20 people at once
- Only competitive athletes age 18 and up may train
- The small pool remains closed
Only people who can independently reach the shelter in time are allowed to come.
The wheelchair basketball teams, wheelchair rugby teams, and wheelchair tennis athletes are back training at The Center. No games are taking place right now.
Many of our elderly members are extremely bored being home all the time. On Sunday there was already a group of them gathering by the picnic tables at The Center.
International Travel
It is remarkable that the war began at a moment when none of our athletes were abroad. A week earlier or a week later would have looked very different.
Unfortunately, wheelchair tennis player Sergei Lysov was unable to travel to the United States for two very important tournaments. Missing these international tournaments is very serious for our athletes. It affects their rankings and means losing valuable competitive experience.
We are still waiting to see what happens with Roni from badminton.
We continue to do everything we can to keep our community active, supported, and connected during these difficult days. Thank you to everyone who continues to check in, offer help, and stand with us. We hope for quieter and safer days ahead.