January 12, 2009, Updated September 14, 2012

Safe from harm: Children from Israel’s south get a vital break from the stress of war.

It may look like a fun day out learning about science, but for children attending educational events in Rehovot, Israel, it’s also a crucial break from the trauma of conflict.

Under intense daily rocket attack back home in Israel’s missile hit south, the children haven’t been to school since fighting with Gaza began, are often too terrified to leave their homes, and suffer various serious psychological and emotional problems.

At the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Davidson Institute of Science Education, hundreds of these troubled children are getting their first opportunity in a long time to go outside and learn, knowing they are safe from harm.

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