A kibbutz with about 500 residents, Erez is located on the Gaza border in the northern Negev, facing the Gaza Strip border. Since the beginning of the second intifada, the region has become a target to many infiltration attempts by terrorists and hundreds of kassam rocket attacks. UJC MetroWest's special relationship with Kibbutz Erez is a result of the continuing difficult security situation in Israel and of UJC's desire to assist communities on the front line. Projects funded in cooperation with the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council include:

• Refurbishment of bomb shelters.
• Construction of a safe room (a concrete reinforced, seal-able room) attached to one of the children's houses and its renovation (Beit Shir).
• Creation of an attractive children's play area adjacent to the safe room.
• Renovation and reinforcement of the kibbutz's medical clinic with a generous donation from a MetroWest community family.
• Donation of an emergency generator
• Donation of an intensive care ambulance to serve the region through a donation from a MetroWest community family.