Population booming three years after Oct. 7, Sderot looks to show visitors city's resiliency

Three years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led massacres, Sderot's population has grown from 35,477 to about 42,000, a nearly 20% rise. Deputy Mayor Elad Kalimi and residents speak to the Post about the city's resilience and an August 11 event to attract summer visitors.

Three years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led massacres that killed dozens in Sderot, the city's population has surged from 35,477 to approximately 42,000, a nearly 20% increase. Deputy Mayor Elad Kalimi attributes this to a 'spirit of unbreakability' and describes building five new neighborhoods to reach 70,000 residents. Residents Aryeh Cohen, whose son Capt. Shiloh Cohen was killed fighting in Be'eri, and teacher Karen Kalfa, who lost students, share personal stories of trauma and community strength. The city is hosting an August 11 event in English, featuring a tour led by locals, to attract summer visitors and showcase resilience.