Having just returned from Jerusalem at a time when many of my friends were cautioning me to postpone my trip there, I would like to make some observations about what I saw there.
Yes, there was increased security in many of the places that I went. There were obviously more individuals in uniform carrying guns outside the light rail stations and near many bus stops, including the central bus station. Yes, there was a noticeable quiet along the Ben Yehuda mall on a Tuesday morning. But for the most part, Israelis are showing their resiliency even in the midst of this recent wave of terror.
Children are still going to school. The security guards at schools are now on duty to 4 p.m. to ensure the safety of the students on their premises. But, kids are taking buses to get to class; walking with their parents or other friends to get to school. After school activities are still taking place. Kids are going to youth groups, swimming lessons, and sports activities. Why? Because their parents understand how important it is for life to go on as normally as possible for children even though parents are making sure that their children are safe.
Cultural activities are still going on in the city. Charlie and I went to an amazing art exhibit at the First Station which featured a pictorial look at each parasha of the Torah. I went to an evening community adult education session held at the Pardes Institute which was filled with Jews of all ages wishing to engage in Torah learning.
There are still brit milah ceremonies, Bar/Bat mitzvah celebrations, weddings, and funerals being held. There are still individuals meeting friends in coffee houses. There are still plenty of cars on the roads. There is still a sense that succumbing to terrorism is not what Israel is about!
Of course all of this is not to say that there is not hope for this wave of terror to end; for the senseless loss of life of innocent individuals to cease.
May we see the day when Jerusalem will truly be a city full of peace.
Shalom,
Nancy
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