US delay or no, gas masks still flying off the shelves

Despite the apparent delay of an American attack on Syria, Israelis are still flocking to stock up on gas masks.

Over 13,500 gas masks were distributed Sunday, six times more than the average per-day total last year, Ynet news reported.

Long lines and shortages have greeted thousands of Israelis lining up for protective kits over the past several days; citizens are fearful that Syria may attack Israel in retaliation for a US-led airstrike on Damascus.

On Saturday, President Barack Obama announced he would not take action before seeking Congress’s green light. US lawmakers are only expected to begin discussing the matter next week.

Israeli officials say there is little chance of Syrian retaliation against Israel, and on Sunday most reservists called up over Syria tensions were released home.

MK Nachman Shai said Saturday night the extra time would give Israel a chance to continue to hand out gas masks and prepare itself for the possibility that Israeli cities absorb rocket attacks.

Some 40 percent of Israelis do not have gas masks, according to figures published last week.

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Distribution centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the following locations Monday:

• Tel Aviv: Rosen community center, 2 Rosen St.

• Bnei Brak: Ramat Elhanan community center, corner of Eshel Avraham and Rabonov streets

• Bat Yam: Community center, 10 Ehud Kinamon St.

• Kiryat Motzkin: 77 Hashmonaim St. (only for those who received a number between 1,000 and 2,000 on Sunday).

The Postal Service has published an English-language informational website about gas mask kits and how they can be obtained, as well as a dedicated Hebrew-language page with a constantly updated list of distribution center schedules and locations.

The Home Front Command recommendeds calling 104 to confirm that a distribution center is open and operational.

The Postal Service also runs a nationwide home-delivery service for gas masks at a fee of NIS 25-40 per household. Call *2237 or 03-713-3830.