I first need to start off with a sincere apology to all those who have notified me and were offended. When I wrote yesterday that the atrocities found, and are still being found, were worse than the Holocaust, I in no way meant to diminish the horribleness of the Shoah. Please forgive me.
When I finished yesterday’s post, I went downstairs into the kitchen and began to prepare dinner. It was already 6:00 pm and I was running behind. I like to have things finished by sunset these daze just in case. Just in case….I put the chicken in the oven, and made the salad and then BAM!!! All hell broke loose. It started with the first red alert in our area. Warning: aircraft incursion Tsfat. Sheeeesh that’s close! So many friends in Tsfat. How the heck did it get that far in? Then BAM BAM BAM, Hostile aircraft intrusion Gaaton; Hostile aircraft intrusion Nahariyya; Hostile aircraft intrusion Tiveria (Tiberius); Hostile aircraft intrusion Rakefet…. and then the sirens sounded. We scooped up the dog and a couple other things and got down into the safe room. My cell phone is dying a slow, agonizing death (oh John, why didn’t I listen when you wanted to buy me a new one?), so I had no service. For some reason, John did, so we tried to figure out what was going on.
I’m not sure if the 20” thick reinforced concrete walls had anything to do with the noise level, but we heard no jets strafing, no helicopters as we should have. We prayed. We prayed for about 40 minutes. Usually the all-clear siren goes off when there is an all-clear after about 10 minutes. Something was up. John was getting messages from friends near Haifa. They too. Our housemate (friend) from the States who comes here for work and stays with us from September-December was in Haifa. In a sheltered parking garage. We were hearing from people from throughout the North, everyone wondering what the heck was going on. We kept getting these emergency texts, but no sound that there was action. So weird!
All the afternoon, as you can seen behind the pop-up, the missiles kept flying into the South from Gaza non-stop during the afternoon now into the evening. Non-stop. Were we scared? No. We were perplexed. It was great practice though. John had contact with the outside world. We were connected digitally with myriad friends in the same boat, all giving updates. That was good.
Our ‘mammad’ is 6X8 feet. In it we had 2 large Tupperware boxes and 2 large storage buckets filled with food enough to last us about 2 weeks if we were prudent. We had our water bottles, a camp lantern, flashlights, candles in case of power outage. Emergency medical kit very well stocked. Emergency radio. Propane cook stove, plastic dishes, sleeping bags, religious paraphernalia, bug out bags (where are we going to go? Again huge joke, people keep asking us if we have an emergency escape out of the country) We have copies of important papers….and much more. And there is absolutely not enough room for 3 adults. Two plastic chairs and my chair were not going to make it. Plus we needed diversion. A couple games like Set and small board games. I’m mean it was already well over an hour and we knew if we had to be in the mammad for 72+ hours… Plus it’s a cement block in essence with an emergency old-fashioned non-exploding light (I never knew. My husband told me. The things we learn when least expecting) in a cage on the ceiling and an air filter (kinda) that vents to the laundry room.
So we learned so much It was a great trial run. Literally a grace period for us. We were in the room for a little over an hour and a half. I took mental note of the disorganization. John took mental note of the logistics and technical. When we get out…… when will we get out? Amazing how slowly time passes in a place like a safe room. We prayed for all the hostages, for those that are trafficked, for the victims and their families.
As soon as we got the all clear (someone had a TV in their saferoom and it was all on the news), the questions started flying. What happened? How? Finally we received our answers-
We still don’t know how the SNAFU came about. Some ignoramus pushing the wrong button? Highly unlikely. Computer hack? More likely. Iranian operatives/Hizbulla testing us? Dunno. A psy-op? So many conspiracy immediately started to float, but here is what was reported:
IDF: Aerial infiltration from Lebanon ruled out, alarms malfunctioned. “Red alert sirens caused fear of large-scale infiltration of possibly dozens of aircraft from Lebanon. The IDF has ruled out an aerial infiltration from Lebanon after warning sirens were activated in many communities in Northern Israel this evening (Wednesday). The sirens were apparently activated due to a technical malfunction. ‘Upper Galilee Regional Council chairman Giora Salz had told channel 12 news that, ‘ manned paraglides have been observed entering from Lebanon. We ask all residents to lock themselves down.’ He called on residents to lock their doors and announced that the members of the council’s emergency department should prepare for an all out attack. A suspected 15-20 paragliders were at one point believed to have penetrated Israeli airspace. The same method was used during the Hamas invasion of southern Israel and massacre of over 1250 Israelis on Saturday. An IDF spokesperson informed that all residents in the area of the North enter their protected areas and stay there until further notice. Combat helicopters (we heard one…) were launched and it is estimated that. Several UAVs were launched from the Lebanon area towards the Galilee. Hamas claimed they fired the direction of Haifa). Combat helicopters were dispatched to shoot the potential threats out of the sky. IDF forces scanned the area from the ground and from the air. Residents were instructions of the Home Command and act according. A security source stated that it was suspected that the craft that crossed the border were sent to attack military bases in Central Israel, and not to attack communities. In the end the IDF stated that the investigation had found that there had been no infiltration and that the alarms had activated due to a malfunction. As a result of the siren alert, United Hatzalah volunteer paramedics have treated over a dozen people who suffered light injuries while running to their protective rooms.’
So, that’s the whole story. If you are like us, there are still a lot more questions.
Max called later in the night and confirmed that, in fact, Hamas tested out a long range missile which had landed on Carmel Beach in Haifa. No damage. He sounded good. As good as can be expected amid all the tension. We made some jokes, dark humor again. Hamas have been using the credit cards looted from the victims place Amazon orders. Hahaha! We’d love to see them try to get delivery. We joked about all the things they ordered. It diffused the heaviness. He talked about the big box of casseroles they got and WhatsApp’ed me a photo: “Shirit, age 35, good cook, seeks husband” on a note taped to the lid of the bottom casserole. It’s pretty funny, actually.
Early start this quiet morning up here, relatively speaking. We got to work cleaning and rearranging the mammad. John brought the router from upstairs to downstairs so we’d have better Wi-Fi. He’s the most amazing man! He worked up a system so we could have an electrical outlet in order to have a way to recharge our phones. I’ve moved out the unnecessaries and vacuumed the place out. Moved an army cot in. Rearranged. Helped a friend with a wood block to secure their safe room. After 6 hours of reconfiguring the space and retiring the electrical, John found an electrical outlet – hidden in plain view! Mills, if you’re reading this one, I officially downgraded him from SFG to SG. And so it goes.
Today is another difficult day. I am going to rant a bit now. Give some more recent developments, so if you are sensitive or squeamish, stop reading now. There are things that need to be said. About taking the time to pamper myself or take a hot bath, I’m not in California suburbia at the moment, and even if we had a working tub, I cannot afford the time or the luxury. About forgiving the people of Hamas, we are all sinners, there might be time for that later, but I just got another call from a friend. Sobbing. Couldn’t catch her breath. Her niece, a beautiful (I’ve met her twice) 19 year old IDF soldier was brutally abused – they found her body sodomized, perhaps multiple times. She was shot in the legs. She was shot in the head. How can I forgive monsters at this time? Perhaps later. I have left out telling the worst.
I know you guys in the US are. Dealing with confusing times, yet please. This is not a staged, carefully orchestrated production to divert attention from the President. this is very real and very raw and we are taking the matter very seriously. I now have good friends who I tearfully want to say good bye to who have been called up. Strong men of peace. Avi, Yair we love you. come home soon. For those denying this is actually happening, do you also deny the Holocaust happened? That is the stance of radical Islam. Choose sides. Now. Carefully.
For the two that have said we had it coming and we deserve this, that’s what happens when you occupy and colonies in an Apartheid manner, I have come against this one multiple times before. It, too, is well crafted propaganda. When this happens to your elderly, your children, your women, and broadcast on TikTok for all to see. on Al Jazeera. on Memri. How do you expect people to feel? What do you expect people to do? I have heard the public in the Western world have been spared the images that need to be seen for what it oils. evil. Acts of pure evil. People I know on social m,Edina here re being silenced on Instagram and Facebook for speaking out and showing the world. We defeat evil by looking it in the eye, by speaking out and standing up.For those of you who are giving me Biblical words, There is a time for peace and A time for war. That’s Biblical too. Joshua, David, Yair, Judith, the Macabee brothers. All great warriors who defend their people which allowed them to continue.
The world United when Iran killed women who were killed under their own brutal radical Islamic regime. The world unlisted under the death of George Floyd. but this. I’ve been watching pro- Palestinian marches in the States using the imagery of the paragliders who invaded our country. There are parades and demonstrations and ‘anti-Zionist’ rallies in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney, Brazil with people chanting ‘Gas the Jews. kill the Jews.’ Well, I have news. Now is the time to take a side. To choose ice over death, good over evil. And this is true evil.
If you are not a person of prayer, now might be a good time to start. Pray. For us. For yourselves. We are in need of lots of miracles right now. I’m finished my rants. I pray tomorrow brings us a better day. For us and for the world. I bid you peace. Time to shower while I can. We do not know what sunset will bring.
Israel Dreams 
Well spoken. Including your rant. I have followed for a number of years now a group that relates to persecuted Christians throughout the world. And strangely enough the underground pastors in China are more concerned with the Western world Christians and those who stand up against evil, they are concerned that we in the west are not prepared to combat the evil.
And their concern was that we spend so much time and energy on things that really aren’t important, our entertainment, our lust for comfort and complacency and I looking at myself I have to agree that I’m guilty of such things. Is my guilt equal to that of the hamas? 🤢 I do not believe so and I sincerely pray not. But I do stand guilty nonetheless. I need rescued and we need rescued in this generation. May we find where that rescue lies.
I absolutely loved your words, “if you are not a praying person this would be a good time to start.” It’s a really weird thing I guess maybe it’s human nature? We look at the suffering around us and we say oh well that will never happen to us. Okay…?🤷🤷
I am confident that there will be a day when this will be as a horrible dream. I believe that there will be a new heavens and a new Earth. I believe that there will be a New Jerusalem, that there will be a time even as it’s written, in the Old testament, All Nations will come up and when Shiloh comes there will finally be a day where all war ends.
Regarding the power to forgive one’s enemies, you are in a season of heartbreak, and to my understanding anyone who is not sitting in your shoes, myself included has no right to tell you what to do or how to live. That’s sick. If we wish to fly down there today and get into the army and help Israel then perhaps after a few years then we can make such judgments, but even then I would be wary. But only love and compassion should be given to the hurting, no matter which side they’re on.
As G-d grants us power to do. But he knows we are flesh and where we are at is okay.
There should never ever be any judgment against you and I believe if anyone is being judgmental in the circumstances they need to be careful. If in any way I have come across in that way I would cry with tears to ask forgiveness. Human brains can only comprehend and deal with so much. And wherever we are at is okay.
The One who created the universe, who put the stars in the sky, the sun in the motion who knows every DNA in our body – truly cares and does not stand aloof from our suffering.
I applaud your words, “there is a Time for Peace and a time for War.” Growing up, my father was an extreme pacifist and I came to conclusion that that isn’t always what is necessary but God will judge the true motives of each of our hearts. I highly respect my father he was an amazing man.
From my observations over the years those who suffer as pacifists – because know that there is definitely a suffering there for those who are truly called to that – are protected by those who suffer as soldiers.
And those who suffer as soldiers are protected by the prayers and lifestyles of those who are called as pacifists. But know that my perception is eternal not just until death. That is my perception whether it’s right or not.
But sometimes honestly pacifism is just a cover for cowardice. But sometimes it is the more courageous choice. G-d will judge there too, the one who sees the hearts and minds.
But one thing I have experienced though not on the level of what you’re going through. When we grow to comprehend love and compassion and yes Justice and judgment, of the one who knows every cell who created the universe – because if he wanted to destroy things because they were evil, not good – and David says in Psalm 51 that he was sinful from the time his mother conceived him – could any of us honestly say that we would be still living? But when sin has reached its full, then judgment comes. Sin produces death.
So there is a difference between the great evil and wickedness that will be completely destroyed, the things that you are seeing horrific things now, know there will be a day when there will not even be a memory of them, and there is a difference between those who are slaves born from birth and in slavery to such evil and wickedness. There is also a difference for those people who have chosen to do wickedness and evil as compared to those who are just beyond ability physically and mentally to resist the wickedness they were raised in.
Today Your brave soldiers stand fighting the evil, you’re beloved sons among them, and for them we pray.
But I have learned, and I do not speak these words lightly though I certainly I’m not going through and have not gone through what you are going through, to pray for those who tried to kill me physically. The battle is and always was for love of God. And God is love. And love never fails.
But heaven’s perspective is eternal, it does not end with death in this life, this life is the tip of the iceberg for souls that go on eternally.
If we ever grasp the power, not of things that call themselves love but are mere illusions, but if we ever grasp the power of the one true love that created the universe and step into connection with that, nuclear weapons have nothing on that.
That is the power that Corrie ten Boone came in contact with during Nazi Germany. There are innumerous stories throughout the ages, St Augustine, St Patrick, many live such love today. Abraham, pleading for Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses pleading for the Israelites, Jonah in obedience to God who was pleading for Nineveh. The prophets who pleaded before God for Israel.
There was a woman who was a Christian in North Korea in a death labor camp, know that the story is within the past year, that managed to escape to China and found refuge there with groups that provide for such things. And they were working together into a safe place but after a few weeks there she refused to stay, saying it was time for her to go back now. She kept saying, there is such love in God, and these people do not know this love. And if I don’t go back who will tell them? And so she returned.
So yes yes there is justice. And yes, G-d be with the soldiers that are fighting the evil. But may the power of G-d who called Israel to display his glory and mercy and Grace and love grant your people the power not just to kill wicked people, but G-d grant that they might be given the power to actually defeat the evil itself, not just destroy its slaves. There is a difference.
Pray. Yes yes pray and do not stop praying when The War is over. Just keep praying just let us stay in connection through caring for the poor, for living each day not selfishly because if G-d who is love provides all our needs, as David said in Psalm 23 then we don’t need to be striving so much.
And we have plenty of time and energy to give to others that do not yet have the knowledge of G-d.
Was this not the call of Israel? That all nations of the world might be blessed? All. And so you have provided food and sometimes shelter and medical care for your enemies and this is good. This is stronger fighting than listening to music and dancing in ways that do not worship the living G-d.
Because when we turn to things that have no power, read Isaiah 30, then no power can be given no matter how much we wish for peace and strive for it.
As you have found with your cell phone, you need an outlet and a charger or it will not work. So likewise, when humanity is disconnected from the source, no matter how good our motives and no matter how much we strive and desire for peace, without the connection that is needed we will not have the power to defeat the things that destroy.
By the power of G-d may Israel live and continue to live as she has done in many ways to be such a blessing. To live for him who makes perfect judgments but also is full of grace and mercy.
To everything there is a time in a season, there is a time for war and there is a Time for Peace. May the one who rules the Sun and the Stars, who on the fourth day created time as we know it, grant us power to know what time it is.
Continual cries are going up before the Most High for your people, especially for you and your family dear to us. And yes also continued cries for the mothers and the children and the destitute on both sides, even among our enemies. Not for the wickedness, that we will see destroyed, but for those slaves on both sides who do not know the love of the one who created us. May G-d have mercy. My friend, I love you. Pleading for you.
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Dear Tamar, John, and BRAVE Max,
I’m praying for your safety and well-being. Stay strong!!! Sending love from Topanga,
Mari and family PS: Blessings to your growing family!
>
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Oh Mari!!! I’ve so wanted to reconnect and catch up. Lots of good news. One day maybe we will all have an SFL reunion. Max is braver than I’d ever expect with a wonderfully wicked dark sense of humor (DAN!). I will try emailing you tonight with your old address?
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I volunteered with Artists 4 Israel when they came to Pittsburgh to tattoo survivors, family members of victims, first responders, etc of the Tree of Life shooting.
They shared this activity book that might be helpful (see email below). Please share it with anyone who could benefit from it.
Also, if you know of anyone in Pittsburgh who needs help, please put them in touch with me. I’ve been trying to figure out what I can do to help. Donating money would be easy, but I’d really like to do something more hands on.
Rachel Please excuse any typos or mixed up words. My iPad is old and cranky and gets confused sometimes.
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Wow, Rachel! That’s amazing. We are sister cities with Pburgh. I’ll ask around. Thank you so much. Every little effort counts-
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Also, I didn’t see the email. Perhaps you could resend?
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I resent it. Please let me know if you don’t get it. Please excuse any typos or mixed up words. My iPad is old and cranky and gets confused sometimes.
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This noise: ‘Hitler was duly elected!’ farted by Ms.Hillary: denounces the: Trump ’24 win campaign … It compares to the Peace for Palestinians, demonstrations by assimilated America Jues against the Oct 7th War.
Proof that many insane human beings, more full of shit, than sane folk. Puts these “Jues” in prisons together with captured stinking Hamas Arabs!
https://americanwirenews.com/hitler-was-duly-elected-hillary-takes-fearmongering-to-next-level-in-warning-about-a-trump-2024-win/?utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=Salesforce&utm_term=EMAIL&utm_content=Newsletter&utm_campaign=AW
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Happy New Year. Hey Yea the God JeZeus, that Harry Potter pathetic forgery: That Protocols of the Elders of Zion Czar slander – new testament – counterfeit; that Av-tumah Reptilian – dead.
Just like the false prophet Muhammad – together with Allah. Goyim rejoice: Happy Joyous New Year! Hail Deicide! You no longer have to waste your time praying to dead Gods.
Happy New Year, free at last, Free at last. LOL. These latest new Gods, gone the way of the Gods of Mt. Olympus, & Ceasar’s pantheon of Gods. Drinks on the House! לחיים. Freedom! Now that these new Gods – dead – Abracadabra!! Poof. Both Heaven and Hell cease to exist, like a rabbit pulled out of a hat.
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