A powerful missile strike hit the southern Israeli city of Arad, slamming into a residential area heavily populated by members of the Ger community and causing significant destruction.

The missile landed between apartment buildings on Shimon Street, damaging multiple structures and sending residents rushing for cover. Emergency responders, including medical teams and rescue units, quickly arrived on the scene to treat the injured and search for anyone who may have been trapped.

Early reports raised fears that several people were missing, including a young child, as rescue crews combed through the damaged buildings. Authorities later confirmed that the child had been found safe, easing some concerns following the strike.

Despite the intensity of the blast and the visible damage, in a miraculous turn of events, BH no fatalities were reported. Many individuals are being treated for injuries and shock, and numerous families were forced to leave their homes due to structural damage.

The neighborhood is home to many followers of the Gerer Rebbe. Community leaders, including Israeli Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf, quickly briefed the Rebbe on the situation.

In response, the Gerer Rebbe issued a strong and direct message: following safety guidelines is not optional, rather it is an obligation. He emphasized the importance of immediately entering protected spaces during sirens and strictly adhering to all official instructions, stressing that these measures save lives.

Ger in general stands out as a sect that complies fantastically well with government and health orders. During COVID and other local or global disasters and difficulties, the Gerer Rebbe’s instructions have always been clear, follow guidelines and stay safe.