Amid tension following rocket attack, Sderot resumes normalcy

Residents of Sderot in southern Israel are grateful for the IDF's powerful response to Sunday's rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, but at the same time, are concerned that the exchange of fire could lead to more violence along the border just ahead of the new school year.

"A single rocket really had an impact," said Sderot resident Nahum Melamed, referring to the rocket that landed in a residential area on Sunday. "When they [the authorities] say they expect an escalation in the security situation any minute, it stresses parents, especially those with school-aged children."

Sunday's rocket attack disrupted the Live Sderot music festival that had been taking place in the city.

"There's no doubt that the IDF had to respond forcefully to the renewed rocket fire on Israel," Sderot resident Rina Abekasis said on Monday, but she added that she was not sure if the timing of the response strike should have coincided with the music festival, as thousands of people were outside.

She said the noise from the strike on Gaza had made her children cry, prompting her to leave the festival with them.

"The IDF knew about our festival, where there were at least about 4,000 people and many children. It's a shame that no one cared," she said.

A woman who lives near where the Gaza rocket landed said, "After the rocket fire on Sderot, [which landed] between two homes, we were sure they would cancel the festival. The mayor decided to go ahead with the festival after the IDF made it clear that we could continue with our routine and that there was no reason to avoid holding big events."

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi said on Monday, "We proved once again that terrorism won't keep us down and that Sderot's civilian resilience cannot be destroyed."

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