This has been a very emotional trip to Israel this year ....It is always good seeing family and friends. When Charlie, Jemma, and I arrived, the country was waiting in anticipation for the return of its 3 boys. When their three bodies were found, the entire country was mourning. At the Pardes Institute we did not start our morning off in its usual manner, rather we had candles lit, words of how to make sense of such a tragedy, and discussion about how to carry on in the face of such a national tragedy. When the young Arab boy was killed by individuals seeking revenge, this country stood up strongly condemning their actions and offering solace to the boy's family. Israeli police also arrested those accused of perpetrating the crime. It is no accident that all human life is valued here.
Of course there has been the reality of dealing with code red alarms as rocket volleys approach the cities here. In Jerusalem, the number of times Jemma and I have had to seek shelter has been much less than in other cities. But the bottom line is that even one time is one time too many! Thinking about the fact that in Jerusalem we have 90 seconds to take cover is mind-boggling. Fortunately, Yehoshua (our son) has a safe room in his apartment and we have managed to take cover their each of the 4 times the alarm has rung.
It is almost surreal...people on buses, going to work, playing with their children, frequenting restaurants and parks....walking, talking, living life....while Hamas attempts to wipe us out! Our fellow congregant, Esti Sheinberg is in Tel Aviv where she is keeping in touch with me and sharing similar feelings.
On Shabbat I found services completely overwhelming. Erev Shabbat the synagogue I attended was packed with Jews of all different kinds....ashkenazic/sephardic/ethiopian/chassidic/conservative/orthodox/ reform/american/israeli/residents/tourists.....all praying for peace in this land and the well-being of our soldiers in the IDF. L'cha Dodi (during kabbalat shabbat) was sung to the tune of Am Yisrael Chai and after the verses ended, the entire congregation broke into song singing AM YISRAEL CHAI, OD AVINU CHAI and dancing. Everyone joined in....such incredible unity, such incredible feeling....I found tears streaming down my face as the words reached my ears.
Fortunately, Jemma and I are well....the family here is the same....we only wish that the IDF will be successful in eliminating the terror filling the lives of those living all over this great country. May G-d grant all of Israel protection and may the image of a sukkat shalom (sukkah of peace) be not merely a vision but a reality...speedily in our day! May those living under the cruel rule of Hamas find a release from their bondage as well as they are used as human shields while rockets fill the skies.
Shalom.
One last thought....my thoughts are also with Asaf Trainin from Tifereth Israel who is remaining here as his family returns to Lincoln.
1. They can put their rockets in the middle of a field with no one around except the rockets and hamas. They could also wear brightly coloured jackets and maybe even put flares up so that everyone (except the IDF) would know exactly where they are.
ReplyDelete2. They can put their rockets in residential neighbourhoods but then notify all the civilians around them that the rockets are in that building. Once again, this on the QT...shhh....don't tell the IDF.
3. They can just not use rockets and go the way of peace and use peaceful protests and then Israel will surely stop building houses on palestinian land, and respect palestine.