Residents of the border give visiting MKs an earful on hardships
Local business people and community leaders stressed the difficulties are both financial and emotional while the government does not respond to their needs
Nir Shochat, a local restaurant owner told the committee: "We set up businesses and now feel we were fooled because we were promised financial aid. I am unable to pay my bills" adding " We have lost any motivation we had. Israel has let Hamas beat us."
Ashkelon Beach Regional Council head Itamar Revivo told members that he is unable to get government ministries to answer his calls. "My 12-year old daughter suffers from PTSD. She bursts in to tears every night for no apparent reason."
Another mayor added that families in his community are worried about being stigmatized and don't even try to get help.
Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi told officials of the defense ministry and the home front unit in the IDF, who were present with the committee "You have no program to provide shelters and protection for my city's growinng population."
Adding "It is time to conduct a campaign like the Protective Edge in 2014 and return deterrence to the border.
"Short rounds of fighting are not getting results. I am building housing for people to come here but the government is doing nothing to protect them" he said.
Shaar Hanegev Mayor Ofir Libstein said "We are the front line and are trying to expand and grow but we are having a very difficult time"
Likud MK Gideon Saar called for answers to resident's needs "Hamas is getting stronger after every round of fighting. The committee must address the issue in preparation for next the one."
Saar responded to residents who voiced their anger at the fact Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not participate in the event.
