Sderot

SDEROT
Official Medal 2009/5769
Seventh Medal in the "Cities in Israel" Series

The first settlers arrived in the Sderot transit camp in 1953, fulfilling the vision of populating the Negev. Its location was intended to buffer the center of the country from the Gaza Strip. Sderot's first permanent homes were built in 1955. Settlers from Iran, Iraq and Kurdistan were later joined by immigrants from North Africa, Romania, the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. Factories in the Sapirim Industrial Park provide employment and Sapir College attracts students from all parts of Israel. Since 2004, Sderot has been under constant attack of Qassam missiles from Gaza, which have caused injury, death and destruction. Culture, especially music, continues to flourish, despite the security and economic situation. The residents of Sderot merit praise and support for their steadfastness and resistance under the most difficult conditions. The Sderot medal will be sent automatically, at a lower price, and with no charge for shipping, to subscribers who have a Standing Order for the "Cities in Israel" series. Silver and bronze medals come in transparent plastic packs which can be housed in a special album. Six medals have thus far been issued: Ness Ziona, Beit Shemesh, Kiryat Gat, Ramat Hasharon, Migdal Haemeq and Petach Tikva.

Obverse: "Sderot"

Reverse: On the common reverse of all the medals in the series an urban landscape, the emblem of the State of Israel, and the emblem of the Union of Local Authorities in Israel.

Edge: All medals have smooth edges.

Designer: Gideon Sagai.

Engraving: Bulgaria.

Mint: Bronze and Silver medals: Bulgaria. Gold medal: ICMC Mint.