The Hesder Yeshiva of Sderot, known formally as the Max and Ruth Schwartz Yeshivat Hesder of Sderot, was founded in 1995 by Rabbi Dovid E. Fendel. The yeshiva is located in the town of Sderot, one kilometer from the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian Arab town of Beit Hanoun. It is the largest Hesder Yeshiva in Israel, with a student body of over 800 students from communities all over the country. In addition to studying, students demonstrate their commitment to the residents of Sderot through many volunteer projects.