This will be a short one as I need to prepare for Shabbat, our Sabbath, which begins at sunset. Last night after editing 4 papers people have written in defense of Israel and the Jewish people, we finally turned off the lights. Again, it was after 2 am. We had our phones on to receive alerts. And the red alert sirens were still coming fast and furious from Gaza to the South/Center. If there was going to be an escalation from the North and Hizbulla, we thought it was most likely last night before the USS Eisenhower arrived. There was a short volley into the Tel Hai area on the very Northern border, but it was quickly put down.

We’ve called up over 360,000 reservists at this point. There ar over 170,000 regular troops. And our friend Sasha (a wonderful boy who is dating our friends daughter, already a soldier) is entering into the army Sunday. Everyone knows at least one person or has a family member serving. We are still buying specially requested supplies for the troops: tourniquets, blister pads, black duct tape, permanent markers, camelbaks, first aid kits, Swiss Army knives which have multiple uses. John is out now getting more for them.

Just a few minutes ago I received a message from an unknown number. It was this. An invitation to a party? There have been so many beautiful and moving weddings on bases in the past two days!

It really choked me up….

I’m receiving so many stories- acts of bravery and heroism coming from both civilians and soldiers in the hospitals. And acts of selflessness and kindness between friends and neighbors. Here is a photo my friend, Keren, took, of her daughter this morning. They live in an area surrounded by ‘sketchy’ villages. ranaana’s husband has been called up and she needed to run errands. It’s so sad that she feels the need to do this, but here in Israel self-defense is of utmost importance as is defending the life of a child (she has a 14 month old in the pack and is 4 months pregnant). It’s a powerful picture!

Know that the soldiers are working hard to keep all borders secure. Many of the reservists are helping in admin and to keep the country running almost at normal capacity. We are staying close to home. We are safe. I heard from Max this morning- a Sponge Bob meme of him and Patrick in a bunker. I sent Max back a Dwight Shrute meme. It’s all good.

Once again, all is quiet and peaceful in the rolling hills of the beautiful Galilee. Birds are singing, bees are buzzing and children are at play. You would hardly know anything is happening. We will go visit my new neighbor this afternoon. She has all 3 sons serving active duty. We pray for a peaceful and uneventful Shabbat. I will write again Saturday night or Sunday. I bid you peace.

Post script: Yaya Sinwar (yes that is his real name and yes, it’s fine to make fun of it), Head of Hamas and the Mufti do Tehran have called for an uprising and day of violence and rage worldwide. It is Jihad. We are dealing with barbarous people who mean what they say. They are radicals (I am not talking about peaceful Muslims). Wherever you are reading this, not just in the big cities, be vigilant and keep yourselves safe Friday-Sunday. This is not a joke. Be forewarned. Be safe-