Hello to all my readers again! It's been quite a while since I've posted, but I have received several requests, so I'm at it again. Ruby also said that writing could be cathartic, so here goes.
We've been here almost 6 months now, and are getting the full welcome into Israeli society. As many of you know (hopefully all of you), Israel is now (as I write) ending the ninth day of the latest military operation, titled "Operation Cast Lead" against Gaza, and the first day of the land assault. So far, one Israeli soldier has died, and 18 more are wounded. The reason the Isreali army is attacking Gaza, is because for the last 7 years or so Gazans have been firing rockets into the southern part of Israel. So, enough is enough. We went in to show them who's boss, and to give them a reason not to start up with us. I'm not really feeling like posting other things right now, but I highly recommend searching for the video on the internet titled "Fifteen Seconds in Sederot" to understand a bit of the terror the Israeli citizens in the area immediately surrounding the Gaza strip have been experiencing.
When our family decided to "take the leap" and move to Israel, the land of our forefathers, we chose to live in a quiet yishuv (village) called Yad Binyamin. We specifically did not choose to live in a community that was "over the green line". I felt that our family was making sacrifice enough, and that we did not have to live in potentially dangerous areas. As I explained to our children, Israel would not be Israel without the people who live over the green line, and to those people I am eternally grateful, but I'm not ready to be one of them. It just goes to show . . . As my grandmother would say "mentch tracht, unt Gott lacht", which loosely translates as "the best laid plans of mice and men are often led astray" (by God, of course).
Anyway, here I am now sitting at my computer in quiet, peaceful YB, which has recently (last week) been declared "in the zone." That is because at 39.6 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, we are within the 40 kilometer expected range of their rockets. That means my children now understand why we have a concrete and metal fortified safe room in our house. That means my 6 year old daughter knows that if she is outside and hears a warning siren and is not near a building, she should lie down flat on her stomach and cover her head for five minutes. That means that we are all on edge, listening for every stray sound, and wondering when the rockets will fall.
The Home Front Security department has declared that there should be no school for the children in YB. There have been no sirens here (thank God), but the kids have been home since Thursday, walking on eggshells. Today we took them to Raanana, at the request of my oldest (age 11) who asked if we could go somewhere "out of range". Tomorrow, the school has arranged a trip for them to the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, which is good, because Ruby and I both have to go to work.
So, you ask me how I am. Here's the way I work. I need the opportunity to lie. I need you to ask me how I'm holding up so I can tell you I'm fine, that I'm staying strong, and do not feel the need to leave where I live. I know with my head that God will take care of us, as He always orchestrates the important aspects of our lives. I know with my head that I am well prepared, and know what to do in the case of an emergency to best take care of my family. I know in my head that this military operation is crucial for the survival of the Jewish people. But I feel in my heart that I'm scared. I'm scared for my children, who jump at every sound. I'm scared for the soldiers who are mostly children in their early 20's, but also fathers, sons, and brothers. I'm just scared.
So if you want something to do that could help us over here, please do the following:
1. Pray/daven - ask God that this should go swiftly and smoothly, with minimum casualties.
2. Call or write with your supporting words - please let me know that you read my blog post. It may sound selfish, but this is truly what we need now - just tell us what you feel, that you support us and that you're thinking of us.
May God bring peace upon us all soon.
Layla tov.
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5 comments:
Dear Rena and Rabbi,
You are truly brave, wonderful people. I cannot imagine living under the kind of pressure that you describe. I get bent out of shape if I encounter unexpected traffic that might make me late for a class that may or may not meet - yes, it's that time of year again at Akiva.
We pray for you. In fact, there will be T'hillim said tonight at YIOP and I even plan to be there, bli neder.
I miss you very, very much and send you many hugs, prayers, & warm thoughts
Always,
Pessie
dear rena,
thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings. we in klal yisroel are all brothers and those of us in chutz la'aretz truly think of our isreali brothers often. you are always in our hearts and tefillos. may hashem bless all of you with menuchas hanefesh and safety. we pray for moshiach and shalom. love, peshie needleman
Rena,
I'm sure scary doesnt begin to describe it, when your children's school is closed for fear of a rocket being launched at the building. We are constantly watching the news for the latest information on what is happening. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Israel. (and its OK to lie sometimes)
Love, Mindi
Love you, thinking of you, keeping your collective safety in my prayers. Blog bookmarked. +ill read regularly.
-sarah (cousin edition)
Just discovered your blog and am adding it to my list of Blogs I Read. We're thinking of you guys and want to extend an invitation that you are totally welcome to come visit us on the "Other side of the Green Line". We jokingly refer to it as the "Safe Side of the Green Line". BH, things are quiet here, BIH, and we would love to see you.
Be in touch.
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