BULLSEYE!!! War Stories. Day 576. 4 May, 2025

There was a direct hit just off the runway of JFK International Airport earlier this morning. The Iran-backed ICBM from Yemen caused major panic throughout the Central New Jersey/New York area, but caused little damage. Eight people were treated for light injuries and several for shock. All air traffic was temporarily grounded. Several major airlines have announced they will stop air traffic to the United States completely due to the high risk.

NOT! But it got your attention. Nu? So if this DID happen, what do you think the American response would be or SHOULD be?

https://youtu.be/qPJdium4y7g?si=WBX158hLbx92FwB3

For the past four days, Israel has been rocked by Red Alerts. A couple days ago we were awakened just after sunrise by the loud crash of an interception near Haifa. There was another interception at 5:30 am on Friday over Afula/Megiddo, which is just 16 miles south of us as the crow flies. Shrapnel hit a kindergarten, but because of the early hour, there was no one present, thank G-d. Another missile launched yesterday from Yemen was targeted for the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv center of Israel. And at 9:24 this morning, my alert went off again. This time, the missile slipped through without being intercepted.

A Houthi ICBM hit adjacent to a service road just off a runway at Ben Gurion International Airport. This happened just before the Knesset and Security Cabinet were set to meet to vote on an escalation by the IDF in Gaza. All flights were delayed – following the normal procedure when a missile is detected. Several planes that were about to land were diverted from their routes, taking almost an hour for the landings to be re-routed and re-approved. Air India turned their plane around completely and landed in Dubai. Air Europa in Madrid was about to take off, but had their passengers disembark just prior to leaving the gate. At this point, many foreign airlines are conducting situation assessments or are completely canceling all flights to Israel. Austrian Airlines and Swiss Air have canceled flights until further notice.

It has been reported that so far, eight people were slightly to moderately injured. Several are being treated for shock. There was widespread panic at and around the airport, understandably. This has caused an escalation in events. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, “Anyone who targets us will face a response seven times as strong.” We wait to see the response. The reason there was a failure to intercept the missile is under investigation.

https://youtu.be/jSm-VfX5XD4?si=6BKOsX-4OWh5_YKp

In other news, Friday night were listened to the IDF jets take off and head towards Syria, where they bombed several Iranian supplied weapons depots and rocket launching sites. After the Assad regime was toppled just a few weeks ago, the rebels, who claimed to be moderate and peace loving, Hayat Tahrir-Al Sham (HTS) and ISIS, are ruling Syria as a transitional government. They have begun an ethnic cleansing of the Christian and Druze populations.

Several Christian cities have been invaded by the Islamic radicals, targeting homes and killing people, raping the women and burning homes and churches. Captured men are being forced to crawl on their bellies and behave as animals before they are executed. The men are forcibly shaved of their beards and mustaches, a symbolic attack on their religious identity. Last week a fake audio recording was played of a Druze man supposedly cursing Mohammed and the rebel faction. It was a complete setup that caused the jihadists to storm Druze towns bent on revenge. The mainstream media has labeled them “clashes,” but the Druze of Syria were under attack as of last week. Over 100 people have been killed including a Druze mayor.

The Druze are an ethnic religious minority that live mostly in Northern Israel, Lebanon and in Syria. They are NOT Muslim. For centuries, they have been persecuted for refusing to convert, which have made them insular and strong warriors. In Israel, the Druzim (over 150,000) are fully integrated into our society, and are deeply integrated into our military. They serve as security agents and personal bodyguards. The Israeli Druze have multiplied and prospered, enjoying freedom as full citizens. In Syria, they are greatly outnumbered and have asked for Israeli protection.

In an extraordinary act of unity, the Druze men of Israel stormed the border fence in the Golan Heights (the same one Max used to patrol) and crossed over into Syria to rescue their separated relatives. On Friday night, the IDF finally stepped in launching massive airstrikes against the extremist militias, Tons of humanitarian aid was delivered and again, a triage unit set up in the space between Israeli and Syrian territory. Several of the wounded Syrian Druze were transported to Israeli hospitals. Israel has sent a message. They will defend the Druze. The IDF will not allow any more hostile forces near our borders.

In the meantime, the media, when you can find coverage, downplays this. The world is mostly silent. If you are more afraid of being labeled ‘Islamophobic’ than you are of standing up for the targeted cleansing worldwide of ethnic minorities….true definition of genocide… then you should reconsider your worldview. We must speak up for the Druze. We must speak up for the Christians whether in Syria, in Nigeria, in Sudan, in India, in China or elsewhere.

Remember the fires raging throughout the center of Israel just this past Wednesday and Thursday? 18 suspects were arrested for arson, all Palestinian. Wednesday night a miracle occurred. The rainy season in Israel is long over. It has been a super dry winter for us. But in the middle of the night, thunderstorms moved in. Completely unexpected. Not forecast at all. The rains were just enough to help the fires come under control. Planes from Cypress and Croatia came to help. All of the wildfires were extinguished in full by Friday morning.

We have just received news that for the first time in six decades, Israel will reinstitute the death penalty. The interrogated, confessed, tried and sentenced Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, and kidnapped innocent Israelis and burned their homes, cars and land, will be hung. Capital punishment has only been used twice in 1962. The bill was passed by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation and remains to be voted on by the Knesset on Wednesday. It is expected to pass.

Amnesty International has already condemned the bill arguing that the death penalty is “cruel, inhumane and humiliating.” Hostage families have raised their voices in concern that passing the bill would endanger the lives of the remaining captives in Gaza who are still alive.

Last week the government called up tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of a large scale intensification of the war with Hamas. Several scenarios for a hostage release have been proposed by Israel, the US delegation and several the mediating countries. All have been flatly rejected by Hamas. It has just been released for clearance, that two more IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza.

I really want to end this on a positive note. The weather is variable, but turning warmer and I have been working to fully plant my garden. The carrots, yellow beets and radishes are coming in. I’ve planted six varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as bell peppers, eggplant, yellow squash and green beans. The herbs are all thriving. If all goes well, I shall have the tomatillo seeds sown in a couple days. I’m looking forward to a fruitful (vegetable-full) summer. Hopefully, I will be able to include a few interesting spotlight interviews in the coming weeks. And hoping everything calms down militarily.

BULLSEYE!!! War Stories. Day 576. 4 May, 2025

There was a direct hit just off the runway of JFK International Airport earlier this morning. The Iran-backed ICBM from Yemen caused major panic throughout the Central New Jersey/New York area, but caused little damage. Eight people were treated for light injuries and several for shock. All air traffic was temporarily grounded. Several major airlines have announced they will stop air traffic to the United States completely due to the high risk.

NOT! But it got your attention. Nu? So if this DID happen, what do you think the American response would be or SHOULD be?

https://youtu.be/qPJdium4y7g?si=WBX158hLbx92FwB3

For the past four days, Israel has been rocked by Red Alerts. A couple days ago we were awakened just after sunrise by the loud crash of an interception near Haifa. There was another interception at 5:30 am on Friday over Afula/Megiddo, which is just 16 miles south of us as the crow flies. Shrapnel hit a kindergarten, but because of the early hour, there was no one present, thank G-d. Another missile launched yesterday from Yemen was targeted for the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv center of Israel. And at 9:24 this morning, my alert went off again. This time, the missile slipped through without being intercepted.

A Houthi ICBM hit adjacent to a service road just off a runway at Ben Gurion International Airport. This happened just before the Knesset and Security Cabinet were set to meet to vote on an escalation by the IDF in Gaza. All flights were delayed – following the normal procedure when a missile is detected. Several planes that were about to land were diverted from their routes, taking almost an hour for the landings to be re-routed and re-approved. Air India turned their plane around completely and landed in Dubai. Air Europa in Madrid was about to take off, but had their passengers disembark just prior to leaving the gate. At this point, many foreign airlines are conducting situation assessments or are completely canceling all flights to Israel. Austrian Airlines and Swiss Air have canceled flights until further notice.

It has been reported that so far, eight people were slightly to moderately injured. Several are being treated for shock. There was widespread panic at and around the airport, understandably. This has caused an escalation in events. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, “Anyone who targets us will face a response seven times as strong.” We wait to see the response. The reason there was a failure to intercept the missile is under investigation.

https://youtu.be/jSm-VfX5XD4?si=6BKOsX-4OWh5_YKp

In other news, Friday night were listened to the IDF jets take off and head towards Syria, where they bombed several Iranian supplied weapons depots and rocket launching sites. After the Assad regime was toppled just a few weeks ago, the rebels, who claimed to be moderate and peace loving, Hayat Tahrir-Al Sham (HTS) and ISIS, are ruling Syria as a transitional government. They have begun an ethnic cleansing of the Christian and Druze populations.

Several Christian cities have been invaded by the Islamic radicals, targeting homes and killing people, raping the women and burning homes and churches. Captured men are being forced to crawl on their bellies and behave as animals before they are executed. The men are forcibly shaved of their beards and mustaches, a symbolic attack on their religious identity. Last week a fake audio recording was played of a Druze man supposedly cursing Mohammed and the rebel faction. It was a complete setup that caused the jihadists to storm Druze towns bent on revenge. The mainstream media has labeled them “clashes,” but the Druze of Syria were under attack as of last week. Over 100 people have been killed including a Druze mayor.

The Druze are an ethnic religious minority that live mostly in Northern Israel, Lebanon and in Syria. They are NOT Muslim. For centuries, they have been persecuted for refusing to convert, which have made them insular and strong warriors. In Israel, the Druzim (over 150,000) are fully integrated into our society, and are deeply integrated into our military. They serve as security agents and personal bodyguards. The Israeli Druze have multiplied and prospered, enjoying freedom as full citizens. In Syria, they are greatly outnumbered and have asked for Israeli protection.

In an extraordinary act of unity, the Druze men of Israel stormed the border fence in the Golan Heights (the same one Max used to patrol) and crossed over into Syria to rescue their separated relatives. On Friday night, the IDF finally stepped in launching massive airstrikes against the extremist militias, Tons of humanitarian aid was delivered and again, a triage unit set up in the space between Israeli and Syrian territory. Several of the wounded Syrian Druze were transported to Israeli hospitals. Israel has sent a message. They will defend the Druze. The IDF will not allow any more hostile forces near our borders.

In the meantime, the media, when you can find coverage, downplays this. The world is mostly silent. If you are more afraid of being labeled ‘Islamophobic’ than you are of standing up for the targeted cleansing worldwide of ethnic minorities….true definition of genocide… then you should reconsider your worldview. We must speak up for the Druze. We must speak up for the Christians whether in Syria, in Nigeria, in Sudan, in India, in China or elsewhere.

Remember the fires raging throughout the center of Israel just this past Wednesday and Thursday? 18 suspects were arrested for arson, all Palestinian. Wednesday night a miracle occurred. The rainy season in Israel is long over. It has been a super dry winter for us. But in the middle of the night, thunderstorms moved in. Completely unexpected. Not forecast at all. The rains were just enough to help the fires come under control. Planes from Cypress and Croatia came to help. All of the wildfires were extinguished in full by Friday morning.

We have just received news that for the first time in six decades, Israel will reinstitute the death penalty. The interrogated, confessed, tried and sentenced Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, and kidnapped innocent Israelis and burned their homes, cars and land, will be hung. Capital punishment has only been used twice in 1962. The bill was passed by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation and remains to be voted on by the Knesset on Wednesday. It is expected to pass.

Amnesty International has already condemned the bill arguing that the death penalty is “cruel, inhumane and humiliating.” Hostage families have raised their voices in concern that passing the bill would endanger the lives of the remaining captives in Gaza who are still alive.

Last week the government called up tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of a large scale intensification of the war with Hamas. Several scenarios for a hostage release have been proposed by Israel, the US delegation and several the mediating countries. All have been flatly rejected by Hamas. It has just been released for clearance, that two more IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza.

I really want to end this on a positive note. The weather is variable, but turning warmer and I have been working to fully plant my garden. The carrots, yellow beets and radishes are coming in. I’ve planted six varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as bell peppers, eggplant, yellow squash and green beans. The herbs are all thriving. If all goes well, I shall have the tomatillo seeds sown in a couple days. I’m looking forward to a fruitful (vegetable-full) summer. Hopefully, I will be able to include a few interesting spotlight interviews in the coming weeks. And hoping everything calms down militarily.

BULLSEYE!!! War Stories. Day 576. 4 May, 2025

There was a direct hit just off the runway of JFK International Airport earlier this morning. The Iran-backed ICBM from Yemen caused major panic throughout the Central New Jersey/New York area, but caused little damage. Eight people were treated for light injuries and several for shock. All air traffic was temporarily grounded. Several major airlines have announced they will stop air traffic to the United States completely due to the high risk.

NOT! But it got your attention. Nu? So if this DID happen, what do you think the American response would be or SHOULD be?

https://youtu.be/qPJdium4y7g?si=WBX158hLbx92FwB3

For the past four days, Israel has been rocked by Red Alerts. A couple days ago we were awakened just after sunrise by the loud crash of an interception near Haifa. There was another interception at 5:30 am on Friday over Afula/Megiddo, which is just 16 miles south of us as the crow flies. Shrapnel hit a kindergarten, but because of the early hour, there was no one present, thank G-d. Another missile launched yesterday from Yemen was targeted for the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv center of Israel. And at 9:24 this morning, my alert went off again. This time, the missile slipped through without being intercepted.

A Houthi ICBM hit adjacent to a service road just off a runway at Ben Gurion International Airport. This happened just before the Knesset and Security Cabinet were set to meet to vote on an escalation by the IDF in Gaza. All flights were delayed – following the normal procedure when a missile is detected. Several planes that were about to land were diverted from their routes, taking almost an hour for the landings to be re-routed and re-approved. Air India turned their plane around completely and landed in Dubai. Air Europa in Madrid was about to take off, but had their passengers disembark just prior to leaving the gate. At this point, many foreign airlines are conducting situation assessments or are completely canceling all flights to Israel. Austrian Airlines and Swiss Air have canceled flights until further notice.

It has been reported that so far, eight people were slightly to moderately injured. Several are being treated for shock. There was widespread panic at and around the airport, understandably. This has caused an escalation in events. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, “Anyone who targets us will face a response seven times as strong.” We wait to see the response. The reason there was a failure to intercept the missile is under investigation.

https://youtu.be/jSm-VfX5XD4?si=6BKOsX-4OWh5_YKp

In other news, Friday night were listened to the IDF jets take off and head towards Syria, where they bombed several Iranian supplied weapons depots and rocket launching sites. After the Assad regime was toppled just a few weeks ago, the rebels, who claimed to be moderate and peace loving, Hayat Tahrir-Al Sham (HTS) and ISIS, are ruling Syria as a transitional government. They have begun an ethnic cleansing of the Christian and Druze populations.

Several Christian cities have been invaded by the Islamic radicals, targeting homes and killing people, raping the women and burning homes and churches. Captured men are being forced to crawl on their bellies and behave as animals before they are executed. The men are forcibly shaved of their beards and mustaches, a symbolic attack on their religious identity. Last week a fake audio recording was played of a Druze man supposedly cursing Mohammed and the rebel faction. It was a complete setup that caused the jihadists to storm Druze towns bent on revenge. The mainstream media has labeled them “clashes,” but the Druze of Syria were under attack as of last week. Over 100 people have been killed including a Druze mayor.

The Druze are an ethnic religious minority that live mostly in Northern Israel, Lebanon and in Syria. They are NOT Muslim. For centuries, they have been persecuted for refusing to convert, which have made them insular and strong warriors. In Israel, the Druzim (over 150,000) are fully integrated into our society, and are deeply integrated into our military. They serve as security agents and personal bodyguards. The Israeli Druze have multiplied and prospered, enjoying freedom as full citizens. In Syria, they are greatly outnumbered and have asked for Israeli protection.

In an extraordinary act of unity, the Druze men of Israel stormed the border fence in the Golan Heights (the same one Max used to patrol) and crossed over into Syria to rescue their separated relatives. On Friday night, the IDF finally stepped in launching massive airstrikes against the extremist militias, Tons of humanitarian aid was delivered and again, a triage unit set up in the space between Israeli and Syrian territory. Several of the wounded Syrian Druze were transported to Israeli hospitals. Israel has sent a message. They will defend the Druze. The IDF will not allow any more hostile forces near our borders.

In the meantime, the media, when you can find coverage, downplays this. The world is mostly silent. If you are more afraid of being labeled ‘Islamophobic’ than you are of standing up for the targeted cleansing worldwide of ethnic minorities….true definition of genocide… then you should reconsider your worldview. We must speak up for the Druze. We must speak up for the Christians whether in Syria, in Nigeria, in Sudan, in India, in China or elsewhere.

Remember the fires raging throughout the center of Israel just this past Wednesday and Thursday? 18 suspects were arrested for arson, all Palestinian. Wednesday night a miracle occurred. The rainy season in Israel is long over. It has been a super dry winter for us. But in the middle of the night, thunderstorms moved in. Completely unexpected. Not forecast at all. The rains were just enough to help the fires come under control. Planes from Cypress and Croatia came to help. All of the wildfires were extinguished in full by Friday morning.

We have just received news that for the first time in six decades, Israel will reinstitute the death penalty. The interrogated, confessed, tried and sentenced Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, and kidnapped innocent Israelis and burned their homes, cars and land, will be hung. Capital punishment has only been used twice in 1962. The bill was passed by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation and remains to be voted on by the Knesset on Wednesday. It is expected to pass.

Amnesty International has already condemned the bill arguing that the death penalty is “cruel, inhumane and humiliating.” Hostage families have raised their voices in concern that passing the bill would endanger the lives of the remaining captives in Gaza who are still alive.

Last week the government called up tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of a large scale intensification of the war with Hamas. Several scenarios for a hostage release have been proposed by Israel, the US delegation and several the mediating countries. All have been flatly rejected by Hamas. It has just been released for clearance, that two more IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza.

I really want to end this on a positive note. The weather is variable, but turning warmer and I have been working to fully plant my garden. The carrots, yellow beets and radishes are coming in. I’ve planted six varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as bell peppers, eggplant, yellow squash and green beans. The herbs are all thriving. If all goes well, I shall have the tomatillo seeds sown in a couple days. I’m looking forward to a fruitful (vegetable-full) summer. Hopefully, I will be able to include a few interesting spotlight interviews in the coming weeks. And hoping everything calms down militarily.

BULLSEYE!!! War Stories. Day 576. 4 May, 2025

There was a direct hit just off the runway of JFK International Airport earlier this morning. The Iran-backed ICBM from Yemen caused major panic throughout the Central New Jersey/New York area, but caused little damage. Eight people were treated for light injuries and several for shock. All air traffic was temporarily grounded. Several major airlines have announced they will stop air traffic to the United States completely due to the high risk.

NOT! But it got your attention. Nu? So if this DID happen, what do you think the American response would be or SHOULD be?

https://youtu.be/qPJdium4y7g?si=WBX158hLbx92FwB3

For the past four days, Israel has been rocked by Red Alerts. A couple days ago we were awakened just after sunrise by the loud crash of an interception near Haifa. There was another interception at 5:30 am on Friday over Afula/Megiddo, which is just 16 miles south of us as the crow flies. Shrapnel hit a kindergarten, but because of the early hour, there was no one present, thank G-d. Another missile launched yesterday from Yemen was targeted for the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv center of Israel. And at 9:24 this morning, my alert went off again. This time, the missile slipped through without being intercepted.

A Houthi ICBM hit adjacent to a service road just off a runway at Ben Gurion International Airport. This happened just before the Knesset and Security Cabinet were set to meet to vote on an escalation by the IDF in Gaza. All flights were delayed – following the normal procedure when a missile is detected. Several planes that were about to land were diverted from their routes, taking almost an hour for the landings to be re-routed and re-approved. Air India turned their plane around completely and landed in Dubai. Air Europa in Madrid was about to take off, but had their passengers disembark just prior to leaving the gate. At this point, many foreign airlines are conducting situation assessments or are completely canceling all flights to Israel. Austrian Airlines and Swiss Air have canceled flights until further notice.

It has been reported that so far, eight people were slightly to moderately injured. Several are being treated for shock. There was widespread panic at and around the airport, understandably. This has caused an escalation in events. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, “Anyone who targets us will face a response seven times as strong.” We wait to see the response. The reason there was a failure to intercept the missile is under investigation.

https://youtu.be/jSm-VfX5XD4?si=6BKOsX-4OWh5_YKp

In other news, Friday night were listened to the IDF jets take off and head towards Syria, where they bombed several Iranian supplied weapons depots and rocket launching sites. After the Assad regime was toppled just a few weeks ago, the rebels, who claimed to be moderate and peace loving, Hayat Tahrir-Al Sham (HTS) and ISIS, are ruling Syria as a transitional government. They have begun an ethnic cleansing of the Christian and Druze populations.

Several Christian cities have been invaded by the Islamic radicals, targeting homes and killing people, raping the women and burning homes and churches. Captured men are being forced to crawl on their bellies and behave as animals before they are executed. The men are forcibly shaved of their beards and mustaches, a symbolic attack on their religious identity. Last week a fake audio recording was played of a Druze man supposedly cursing Mohammed and the rebel faction. It was a complete setup that caused the jihadists to storm Druze towns bent on revenge. The mainstream media has labeled them “clashes,” but the Druze of Syria were under attack as of last week. Over 100 people have been killed including a Druze mayor.

The Druze are an ethnic religious minority that live mostly in Northern Israel, Lebanon and in Syria. They are NOT Muslim. For centuries, they have been persecuted for refusing to convert, which have made them insular and strong warriors. In Israel, the Druzim (over 150,000) are fully integrated into our society, and are deeply integrated into our military. They serve as security agents and personal bodyguards. The Israeli Druze have multiplied and prospered, enjoying freedom as full citizens. In Syria, they are greatly outnumbered and have asked for Israeli protection.

In an extraordinary act of unity, the Druze men of Israel stormed the border fence in the Golan Heights (the same one Max used to patrol) and crossed over into Syria to rescue their separated relatives. On Friday night, the IDF finally stepped in launching massive airstrikes against the extremist militias, Tons of humanitarian aid was delivered and again, a triage unit set up in the space between Israeli and Syrian territory. Several of the wounded Syrian Druze were transported to Israeli hospitals. Israel has sent a message. They will defend the Druze. The IDF will not allow any more hostile forces near our borders.

In the meantime, the media, when you can find coverage, downplays this. The world is mostly silent. If you are more afraid of being labeled ‘Islamophobic’ than you are of standing up for the targeted cleansing worldwide of ethnic minorities….true definition of genocide… then you should reconsider your worldview. We must speak up for the Druze. We must speak up for the Christians whether in Syria, in Nigeria, in Sudan, in India, in China or elsewhere.

Remember the fires raging throughout the center of Israel just this past Wednesday and Thursday? 18 suspects were arrested for arson, all Palestinian. Wednesday night a miracle occurred. The rainy season in Israel is long over. It has been a super dry winter for us. But in the middle of the night, thunderstorms moved in. Completely unexpected. Not forecast at all. The rains were just enough to help the fires come under control. Planes from Cypress and Croatia came to help. All of the wildfires were extinguished in full by Friday morning.

We have just received news that for the first time in six decades, Israel will reinstitute the death penalty. The interrogated, confessed, tried and sentenced Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, and kidnapped innocent Israelis and burned their homes, cars and land, will be hung. Capital punishment has only been used twice in 1962. The bill was passed by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation and remains to be voted on by the Knesset on Wednesday. It is expected to pass.

Amnesty International has already condemned the bill arguing that the death penalty is “cruel, inhumane and humiliating.” Hostage families have raised their voices in concern that passing the bill would endanger the lives of the remaining captives in Gaza who are still alive.

Last week the government called up tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of a large scale intensification of the war with Hamas. Several scenarios for a hostage release have been proposed by Israel, the US delegation and several the mediating countries. All have been flatly rejected by Hamas. It has just been released for clearance, that two more IDF soldiers have fallen in Gaza.

I really want to end this on a positive note. The weather is variable, but turning warmer and I have been working to fully plant my garden. The carrots, yellow beets and radishes are coming in. I’ve planted six varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as bell peppers, eggplant, yellow squash and green beans. The herbs are all thriving. If all goes well, I shall have the tomatillo seeds sown in a couple days. I’m looking forward to a fruitful (vegetable-full) summer. Hopefully, I will be able to include a few interesting spotlight interviews in the coming weeks. And hoping everything calms down militarily.

RESISTANCE!!! War Stories. Day 573. 1 May,2025

Environmental Terrorism: one or more unlawful or even hostile actions that harm or destroy environmental resources or deprive others of their use. It is different to [sic] environmental vandalism, which is a rather permitted but ethically disputed destruction of environment. – Wikipedia

Yesterday started out quietly enough with our morning coffee on the balcony. We had planned a subdued day with a short visit to the local cemetery to pay our respects at the graves of the fallen soldiers and victims of terror from our city. The national siren blared at exactly 11:00, just about the time the wind picked up.

With wind gusts reaching up to 80mph, and the temperatures climbing into the mid 90*F, combined with a very dry winter, the setting was perfect for acts of resistance against the occupation. You see, it was the beginning of Nakba Day, the day the Arabic speaking countries surrounding Israel lost the war they started in 1948. The Palestinian people were still mad. Bent on revenge combined with the desire to do as much damage as they could do the land. To disrupt. To frighten the “settlers” away. To kill Israelis, aka Jews.

By noon, the air was already dusty and sandy from the wind. Then the smoke started to pour in over the hills. I checked the news. A major breaking national crisis was unfolding as the hills around Jerusalem were engulfed in flames. Civilians, caught in the main highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, were fleeing their vehicles on foot. Emergency crew from Hatzalah were going from to car to char to make sure everyone had evacuated.

Our friends, were visiting a soldier’s grave in BeitShemesh, the center of it all. I texted her and she sent a frightening photo-

It would take them over four hours to get through the traffic. My friend, Elli, in Modi’in was waiting for the call for her family to be evacuated. And the news started pouring in.

All public events for that evening and the next day, Israeli Independence Day, were cancelled. There are to be absolutely no barbecues, grilling or open fires throughout the country, Backup firefighters from Cypress, Greece, Croatia and Italy were coming in to help spray fire retardant.

All across Arab channels, messages were going out for all people to go out and start more fires. They weren’t even bothering to hide it. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram. No shame. No cowardice. Here it is- and the Palestinians were celebrating it.

While we were trying to mourn our fallen heroes, they were setting our forests on fire. All over the country. As of my writing this, there have been 18 arrests. The massive wildfires spread by the strong wind through central Israel. Volunteers were asked to help go out and patrol their own areas for any suspected arsonists. It’s a national crisis, and to tell the truth, it might be a preview of what’s to come over a long, hot, dry summer.

The air quality index has listed the whole country as under a danger warning. People are instructed to stay indoors. The torch bearing ceremony, which included people who helped strengthen, defend and unite our country, has been canceled. There will be a televised previous rehearsal shown instead. More news comes in showing a map of all the fires burning.

I don’t know what the 2 orange men running means, but the rest is self-explanatory

I didn’t come up with this comparison, but it fits the narrative perfectly. Recall the story of wise King Solomon and the two mothers. The women were sharing the same bed with their two infants. In the morning one baby was dead. Each accused the other of murdering the infant and claimed the surviving baby was their own. What to do? King Solomon said to cut the baby in half, each mother taking half the child. The real mother relinquished and gave up her own baby to the accuser rather than seeing her precious child harmed/killed. These monsters (and yes, I am labeling them evil monsters) claim rightful ownership of the Land. What kind of person would destroy their own territory to spite the other?

In other news, yesterday in Renaana, a Reform synagogue held a public memorial service for both Israelis and Gazans/ Palestinians. Israelis were furious and protestors showed up. They tried to shut the service down, things grew ugly, the police were called in and people were injured. Israelis don’t take kindly to comparing our soldiers to Hamas terrorists. Meanwhile, also in Renaana, streets were renamed for the local fallen soldiers.

In southern Israel the high winds caused a massive, blinding sandstorm. Visibility was zero in the desert to Eilat. And at 11:13pm there was an emergency warning. A terrorist infiltrated the village of Giv’at Binyamin in Samaria. Everyone was ordered to enter a building and immediately lock all doors and shutter all windows. Go to a safe room or protected space. Sit on the floor below all window lines until further notice. The three terror suspects armed with knives and grenades were found, and after a gunfight with the IDF, neutralized and arrested.

Yesterday’s blogpost was entitled Beauty for Ashes. Today it’s mostly ashes. I’ll be happy to see the Beauty when it shows up.

https://youtu.be/QLEgNYMdj94?si=Bovtvvq4uE4m3c3q

Beauty for Ashes. Memorial Day Yom haZikkaron 30 April, 2025

…a year of comfort to all who mourn in Zion…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the L-rd, that He might be glorified. -Isaiah 61:3

Nations are not formed in a day. They are formed oftentimes with toil, tears and the blood of those who would defend their land. And so it is with the State of Israel. From the late 1800s with the first waves of Aliyah until today, the blood of the returned Jewish people has been shed in her defense and in numerous terror attacks.

Once again this year, from sunset on 29 April until sunset on 30 April, Israel will commemorate Yom haZikkaron, the Day of Remembrance. It is the official day set aside to mourn all fallen soldiers and all victims of terror: Jewish, Christian, Messianic, Druze, Muslim, native born Israeli and foreign born. Once again this year, the day will be especially poignant and incredibly difficult as Israel is still embroiled in a war for her survival on several fronts – in Gaza with Hamas; in Lebanon with Hezbollah; with the Houthis in Yemen; the Syrian rebels on the slopes of Mt. Hermon; the Palestinian faction in Judaea and Samaria; and the head of the snake, Iran.

Shortly after the sun sets this evening, a two minute siren will sound throughout the nation. Memorial candles will have been lit in memory of the deceased. The radio stations will all be playing soft, sad music throughout the next 24 hours, and the television programming will commemorate the lives of all those who have died in the past year in service to their country or in acts of terror.

On the Day of Remembrance, schools and governmental offices are closed. Public transportation is free in order to allow all those who wish to visit the grave of a loved one the opportunity to do so. All flags hang at half mast. In the morning, special services are held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the national armed forces cemetery, and at other Israeli cemeteries. Floral wreaths are laid at the graves of fallen soldiers. The Yizkor prayer (praises to G-d) is recited numerous times as well as the El Malei Rachamim (All-Merciful G-d) and the Mourner’s Kaddish as is customary during times of mourning.

Again, at 11:00 am tomorrow morning, another two minute siren will sound throughout the land. This is especially heartbreaking and moving to witness firsthand as the entire nation comes to a complete standstill. Drivers stop their cars and busses and pull to the side of the streets and highways. Everyone gets out and stands at attention, heads bowed out of respect for the fallen from the founding of Israel to today. People gather on balconies and come out of the shops for two seemingly interminable minutes. All is silent except for the blare of the siren.

I have never seen anything like this anywhere else. Each city holds a memorial service to honor their local deceased in war and in terror attacks. The synagogues and churches all hold their own memorial services. Bonds of unity are strengthened as Israelis mourn together collectively. John and I will make a visit to our local cemetery where many fallen soldiers (I believe 9 from this war alone) and victims of terror lie.

The entire day, a pall is cast over the nation. This is the price paid for freedom. This is the price paid for the right of return. This is the price paid for being a tiny country, incredibly outnumbered and surrounded by hostile nations who wish to see her eradicated, her people thrown into the sea. Not only have soldiers fallen, but there have been thousands of victims who have perished in senseless terror attacks. The message of the day is that Israel owes its existence to all those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

As of this writing, there are still 59 hostages held captive by Hamas deep within the terror tunnels of Gaza. IDF soldiers are still battling there, giving their lives, and being severely wounded. In TelAviv’s now-famous “Hostage Square” there will be displays set up in honor of the hostages as well as prayers and demonstrations. The Gaza Envelope kibbutzim, those on the border, will be holding special memorial services in honor of all those that were killed 7 October, 2023.

Wednesday evening, with the setting of the sun on Yom haZikkaron, the citizens of Israel are expected to make a sharp turnabout as Yom haAtzmaut (Yome ha-ahtz-mah-OOT) Independence Day, begins. It is an absolute emotional rollercoaster as the heaviness of mourning is supposed to shift to celebration in a moment.

As the sun goes down, the Israeli flag is raised on Mount Herzl. This is followed by an invitation-only ceremonial lighting of 12 torches which represent the 12 tribes of Israel. It is a great honor to be selected as a torch bearer. It is televised throughout the country and dignitaries from the government, military, religious life and cultural, educational and technological/business sectors are all in attendance as special guests. This year’s torch bearers include singer Zehava Ben; 2 IDF officers who have shown extreme bravery and heroism; released hostages Emily Damari and Eli Sharabi and American Ben Shapiro. The service includes military band and parades, singing of HaTikvah (the national anthem) and poetry readings. Simultaneously, there will be festive prayers, singing and dancing at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.

This year marks Israel’s 76th Independence Day. Ashes of grief turn into charcoal flames from barbecue grills. As night descends, the festivities begin in city amphitheaters. Usually, big name musical stars travel from large city to large city putting on concerts until the wee hours of the morning. There used to be large fireworks displays, but they have since been banned out of respect for those suffering from PTSD.

Again, most schools and businesses are closed for the day. During 1 May this year, many people head to the beach. There are picnics and parties. Israeli flags fly proudly from every home and many car windows. There are military aircraft flyovers from North to South led by fighter jets and Israel’s version of AirForce One. In the past (not during wartime), IDF military and Air Force bases have been open with static displays of tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery and jets. Museums are free to all.

The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem has become one of the country’s leading family attractions, thanks to the large collection of animals. 200 species of marine life are on exhibit at the Israel Aquarium, offering another free of cost day for families. And there will be guided tours in English, Hebrew, Russian and Arabic at the newly opened Israel National Library. On display will be rare manuscripts, maps, historical photo albums, newspapers and posters. Tours of the battlegrounds of Israel, especially at Ammunition Hill, are given every hour from 9:00 to 16:00. Capping off Jerusalem festivities will be a special drone and laser light spectacular telling the history of Israel, with a story of peace and a prayer for harmony.

TelAviv transforms into a non-stop party zone for Independence Day. Spontaneous concerts and DJs will be hosting pop-up events throughout TA and Jaffa. Local artists will hold street fairs and the city’s best chefs will be lining Teddy Beach with hundreds of gourmet food trucks. The gorgeous beaches are sure to be jam packed all day long. There will be dance and theatre performances at HaBima Theatre with special events for families and children. The Israel Philharmonic will also be performing at the Opera House.

Many kibbutzim and towns hold special parades with bands and decorated floats. The parade routes and highways are all adorned with flags. People dress in blue and white, the national colors. Whole streets are cordoned off with bouncy houses and water slides for the children. There are booths set up with craftsmen, agricultural displays, food and wine tasting and family activities. Children hit each other over the head with huge blue and white inflatable hammers, although the reason why this tradition started remains unknown. Other annual events held on Independence Day include the International Bible Contest. Much like the American Spelling Bee, schoolchildren participate in this incredibly difficult recall of Bible trivia.

Instituted in 1953, Yom haAtzmaut is the time when the prestigious Israel Prize ceremony takes place. Similar to the Nobel Prize, this awards notable persons from fields of medicine, exact sciences, literature and the arts, humanitarian achievements, Jewish studies, agriculture, law, technology and education. The nation’s highest honor will be bestowed upon 10-15 exceptional individuals.

Due to the current war, and the changeable security situation, the entire nation of Israel will be placed under extremely high alert this year. The Muslims refer to it as Nakba Day or Day of the Great Calamity (in 1948, little newborn Israel won the war against 5 attacking Arab armies in a matter of weeks). Last year, because of the volatile nature of the fighting and incoming missile attacks, most concerts and large outdoor celebrations were shortened or canceled altogether. This year, the concert line-ups were announced just this Sunday and it seems all is a “go.”

I’m sure this year’s celebrations will be quite muted due to the current situation. May peace reign throughout the nation. And one day soon may our moly be turned to dancing.

My first Independence Day 2015

Holy Week in the Holy Land. 18 April, 2025

This is an unusual year here in Israel. For the first time in many years, Passover, the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, and general Christian population celebrate concurrently their Holy Week. It is an exciting and special time to visit the Holy Land. This year, convents and hostels are filled with Christian pilgrims – many of them have traveled from Poland, the Philippines, Mexico and South Korea. Jewish people from the United States and Canada have come to celebrate Pesach with family living here. Still, the recent war has kept the multitudes away for the most part.

For the Jews, last Shabbat led right into the Pesach/Passover Seder. Families gathered together. Army units had their Passover Seders in dining halls and in the fields. Everyone celebrated the story of the liberation from Egypt under Pharaoh, the crossing of the Red Sea by Moses and the Children of Israel in Exodus, and ate the festive meal. During the seven days of Chag ha Matzot (the Matzah holiday) or Khol ha Moed, the intermediate days, Israelis head to to the hills and mountains hiking and to the shores of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) camping. For those that stay in the cities, museums are all free.

As the Seder feasts wound down in the wee hours of last Sunday morning, Holy Week started for the Christians. Thousands gathered with palms for the traditional Palm Sunday walk. Tens of thousands of pilgrims came from all over the world. The crowds were still not as large as in most years, but the festivities started at BethPage at the top of the Mount of Olives, Har Zeitim. The Latin Patriarch and the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land blessed the palms and the participants in the walk. The Arab Israeli Scouts from Jerusalem, Nazareth and Ibillin led the procession.

The walk starts at the top of Mt. Olives and winds its way down through East Jerusalem. Spectacular views of the Temple Mount, Old City and all of Jerusalem are one of the high points of the walk which traces the path of Jesus from the starting point to its finish within the Holy City. The entire walk is about 3 miles. As in the Gospel accounts, people wave palm and olive branches and sing Hosannas and great Hallels. Security is tight with armed soldiers ready against any act of terror. Helicopters circle overhead for added protection for the walkers.

And even Jesus showed up for photo ops…

On Wednesday, Maronite Catholics, indigenous Arameans and Lebanese and Syrian Catholics living in the Holy Land, celebrated the blessing of the Holy Oils and the lighting of the Blessed Candles. Their congregations are mostly to be found throughout the North, where the majority of the Christian population is either Maronite of Orthodox Christian. Their population centers are Nazareth, Fassuta, Jish, Me’ilya, Tarshicha, Ibillin and Sh’faram.

Yesterday, the Orthodox Christians (Greek, Russian, Eastern) and the Roman Catholics celebrated Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum, or three-day holy period, concurrently. Eastern rite/Orthodox priests and patriarchs led the procession through their churches with the carrying of the cross for their congregation to venerate.

Cardinal Pierbatista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, commenced the Catholic liturgies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There was a solemn procession from the place of the crucifixion to the stone where Jesus was wrapped and then throughout the church to the tomb where Jesus was interred. The faithful gathered to reverence, kiss and touch objects to the holy stone slab.

As soon as the Roman Catholic rite was finished, the church was cleared so the Orthodox worshippers could celebrate their liturgy. This is scheduled to happen throughout the weekend.

For the first time, in order to to accommodate all branches of the faith, the Roman Catholics will hold their Easter Vigil at the Holy Sepulchre very early in the morning – 06:30 am on Saturday morning. “Catholics must enter the New Gate between 05:30 and 06:00 am. After 06:00 am, the gate will be closed for entry to the Vigil Mass. Entry into the Basilica will be difficult due to extensive security apparatus in place on this day for the Orthodox Holy Fire ceremony. All those participating in the Latin Mass, will be obliged to leave the church after he Mass. No one will be permitted to remain, as the entire church will be cleared for the Orthodox worshippers.”

The Orthodox Holy Fire is the oldest recorded continual miracle. It has occurred in the Holy Sepulchre…the tomb where Jesus’ body laid… for 2000 years. The Orthodox priest enters the sepulchre at midnight with the Paschal candle and waits in darkness as the worshippers congregate throughout the basilica with their candles. A blue fire comes down and miraculously lights the candles. The flames burn cold for about 10 minutes afterward. This will be the eternal flame from the pascal candle that burns throughout the year in Jerusalem. You can view the entire spectacle onYouTube. It is quite fascinating!

Passover ends this Shabbat for the Jewish people. Saturday night, as the Christians celebrate the start of Easter, Jews in Israel will be celebrating Maimouna. This party at the conclusion of Passover, comes from Morocco. But it has taken hold of the entire Jewish population here. It is a time of great merriment as pastries and tea and candies are piled high on golden trays. The revelers wear bright colors and lots of gold jewelry. There is music and dancing and fun to be had by all.

I wish all of my readers a meaningful, holy and happy feast. Next year I Jerusalem!!!!

Rays of Light and Hope. Day 559. War Stories. 17 April, 2025.

These are the intermediate days of the (in Israel) 7 day Passover Holiday. All the children are off school. Families are taking vacations or going on field trips. Things are relatively quiet here. And I am spending the week at home, gardening, organizing and getting much needed rest. Despite grand plans of day trips and museum visits, I’m being a slug. Our houseguests from Vienna never arrived, and I’m taking advantage of all the extra time. Spring has officially arrived and the weather is glorious! All the trees are in full bloom.

So instead of getting into the war and all the intrigue about who knew what and when which has come forth in the past couple weeks, I choose to focus on the good.

The first story is the tale of a discovery and reunion.It is being seen as a small miracle from 7 October after over 18 months in Gaza. It was an emotional day yesterday when Rachel Danzig was reunited with her beloved Billy, a 3 1/2 year old King Charles Spaniel. Billy, was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz into Gaza by Palestinian civilian terrorists. Rachel’s husband, Alex,76, was also kidnapped (subsequently murdered and still remains there). Many of Rachel’s family and close friends were slaughtered that day.

Last Thursday, a reservist, Aviad S., discovered Billy in Rafah, Gaza. He carried the dog back to his unit and took her into his care.. Billy even spent Passover with the soldiers before being brought safely back to Israel. Tuesday, a vet confirmed by microchip implanted in Billy that the dog belonged to Danzig and yesterday, the long-awaited reuinion took place. Billy leapt into Rachel’s arms, tail wagging and licking her. The family, still in mourning, described the moment as “a miracle from heaven.”

Since Billy’s captivity, the family had adopted another Kig Charles Spaniel, believing Billy would never return. Now both dogs will live together, a symbol of resilience and healing in the face of unimaginable tragedy. This story struck at the heartstrings of Israelis, still reeling after the events of 7 October, a small sliver of goodness and a reminder that miracles do happen.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QUlHKJWxoZY?si=uXzMAKGoV9mHie-E

Recently released hostage, Sasha Trouvanov was in the United States a couple weeks ago. He visited the White a house and spoke with President Trump. He also had the opportunity to speak with various organizations and at Jewish synagogues on the East Coast. At a Palm Beach Synagogue, he gave testimony yesterday of how he found G-d while in captivity.

Before October 7, I didn’t believe in G-d at all. . I was raised in a community they was atheist. g-d has no place in my life at all. During the time I was held in Gaza and the tough things I went through, step by step I got the place to think to reflect about my life, what I’ve been through, what I’ve done before 7 October, and the event itself and what I am doing now in this time in this place. I am in Gaza and I start reflecting on my life and thinking about what is life itself. Is G-d real or not. I came to understanding that the is G-d and it gave me a lot of strength. Believing. Being g able to pray. Finding strength from prayer. Being able to understand that well maybe I’m in tough moment right now. Maybe G-d put me in a place that is tough… it’s very sad. You are alone and feel very alone. Very vulnerable. It’s my choice what I’m d9g with it. I can be sad I can be depressed or I can find strength do things that will help me get out of this situation. To find happiness even if there is not a lot to be happy for. I chose the second choice. I choose G-d. It’s helped me a lot. It’s helped me when my life was in danger. It helped me going through hardships as well as physically and helped my soul a lot. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to find this belief in G-d during this tough time.

Not only is Sasha back to safety with his now-fiancée, who was released in 2024, but he is studying the Scriptures with a rabbi and learning about Judaism. Because he is a Cohen, part of the priestly line, Sasha was invited to be one of the Cohenim to give the priestly blessing to the crowds gathered at the Western Wall this Passover.

Of the hostages taken from Israel into Gaza were the Americans, Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva. Every weekend before that horrific day, the family would gather together for an American style pancake breakfast, made with love by Keith. It filled their home with joy and love, and the scent of maple syrup. On Simchat Torah, 2023, their Saturdays were shattered when their community was breached and they were abducted by the terrorists, their home destroyed. Aviva was released in December of ‘23, but Keith remained in the underground tunnels for 484 harrowing days. He was isolated, abused and starved before his release a little over 2 months ago.

Now that he’s back home and together with family, he’s joyfully sharing the family tradition with the public. In Sarona Market, Tel Aviv, he’s exuding hope, resilience and healing with his pop-up – Keith Siegel’s Pancake House. “In captivity, food was a rare commodity. I didn’t allow myself to think about pancakes,” stated Siegel. “ I was amazed when I came back and discovered that everyone. Israel was making them in my honor. It moved me deeply.” These days, lines to buy Siegel’s pancakes stretch around the block. It’s a message to the world. He asks the customers to remember the remaining 59 captives with every bite. All proceeds go to family recovery projects and for therapy for them and other victims. “This pancake house isn’t just about food. It’s about not giving up. It’s about remembering.”

Aviva and Keith Siegel and their daughter, Shir, at the Pancake House

We here in Israel have recently found out the heroism and bravery of IDF soldier, Eden Nimri, 22. Liri Albag, one of the female Israeli girl soldiers released two months ago met with the parents of Eden Nimri to share with them the details of their daughter’s valor during her last hours at the Battle of Nahal Oz Shelter. Despite 10 people murdered by the Hamas terrorists that day, and the 7 IDF soldiers being captured into Gaza, Eden kept firing at the terrorists. The Hamas terrorists tossed smoke grenades into the shelter where soldiers had taken cover. Her efforts allowed 14 to escape and then remained the last soldier armed in the shelter until she ran out of ammunition. Hamas then threw three more smoke bombs in which were tossed back out by Karina Ariev (also captured, just released) and Shiraz Yam Amar, who was killed. Eden then fought off several terrorists with her bare hands!!! until she, herself, was shot and killed. Altogether, Eden was responsible for saving the lives of 19 soldiers.

Before this war is over, I am sure we will be hearing the stories of our valiant young people and how they stared down terrorists bent on evil and destruction. Stories are just now coming out as people are in therapy sessions, willing to speak with news outlets about their ordeals and as more hostages are released.

The birth rate is up 14% since the war began. Couples are still getting engaged and married at an incredible pace. Grand engagement parties are being sponsored by IDF battalions as a soldier pops the question (always on blended knee) to his intended. The Jewish people are celebrating the true meaning of the holidays as never before. People are finding faith in G-d and I do believe that Israel is growing stronger and more solid in their faith. It is a healthy sign and gives hope that things will be better soon.

A Short News Roundup. Day 552 of the War. 10 April, 2025.

The unpacking from our trip has finished. Shopping done. Passover preparation including cleaning out the fridge, pantry, counters, oven, stove and floors have been rid of crumbs and bread, legumes, wheat products and leavening agents. Chicken soup checked off. Matzah kugel finished. But I’ve lived in Israel long enough to save the major Spring cleaning for later.

You see, it happens every year. The week of Pesach. Without fail. We have a terrible dust storm. The weather gets warmer. The winds kick up and all that desert dirt and crud from construction and strip mining and all the pollen creates thick clouds enveloping everything. It seeps through the cracks in the window blinds and makes its way under the doors. The cars and all else gets covered with the shmutz. I’ll do the windows and sweep off the porch and balcony later. We’ll take the car to the car wash another week.

But the good news is that the fresh garlic has come in from the fields. It is something I look forward to every year. I get about 70 heads of fresh garlic and make fermented garlic honey, which is rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant goodness. I make garlic oil and a delicious ground up fresh garlic paste with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and spices. It’s amazing on everything. The rest I braid and hang downstairs and it lasts me about a year.

Now for the news: What is happening in Israel, in the Middle East and in the world that you might not have heard about? Trump and Netanyahu met in an emergency meeting this past week. Netanyahu’s plane had to fly an extra 250 miles to avoid countries that might enforce the ICC’s arrest warrant. He literally swerved the plane to avoid antisemitic nut jobs. What was on their scheduled list of things to discuss? The hostages. Iran. Tariffs. Israeli and Turkish relations.

Trump is down for direct talks with the Ayatollas in Iran this Saturday. Israel has been placed on extra high alert. Trump’s pressuring Iran not to have nuclear weapons is being perceived as fear from Iran. The US sent a second air defense battery to Israel and moved more stealth bombers to Diego Garcia base. In 2015 Iran signed a nuclear deal under the Obama admin. Supposedly they would limit their production of weapons-grade uranium in exchange for a lifting of sanctions. Trump ended the deal in 2018. But under Biden, sanctions were once again lifted and Iran resumed enriching uranium for nuclear weapons. President Trump is re-exerting maximum pressure on Iran, and is now implying that a new deal will soon be on the way. As he said, “If the talks on Saturday fail, it will be a very bad day for Iran.” We will see what that means- “There are a lot of things happening 8 the Middle East right now, some of which I don’t want to talk about yet. I think it’s better to keep quiet.”

Netanyahu has announced he will cancel all Israeli tariffs on US imported goods. He was probably hoping for a deal in exchange with Trump, but Trump has kept the 17% tariff on Israeli goods coming into the US. “American already gives Israel billions of dollars, which is a lot of money,” was Trump’s reasoning. Perhaps he doesn’t want to set a precedent for favoring allies. Perhaps it’s a power play, but in any event I think it is fair enough.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Turkey, a NATO member. Netanyahu does not want to allow them to build military bases in Syria. Trump is allies with Erdogan who is very antithetical to Israel. As far as the Gaza War and the captives go, Trump stated “ We’re working to get the hostages out. I think the war will stop at some point not too far off. “

To report on what is happening here with Hamas and the Gaza War as well as ‘hostage negotiations:’ We now have proof who paid for the 7 October Hamas incursion into Israel with subsequent massacre and kidnappings. A letter was found in one of the tunnels from Mohammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar, (literally dead heads of the terror organization) asking Iran for $500million to “destroy Israel” laying out the basic framework of their evil plans. They received the money. The ring of terror starts and ends with the Iranian regime.

Also this past week…I was on a Zoom meeting when my entire screen lit up again – Hamas fired 10 rockets into Israel. It was their biggest barrage in quite some time. There was a direct hit on an apartment complex in Ashkelon. Three were injured. 29 were treated for trauma. The rockets were launched from an area in central Gaza which had been mostly left alone by the IDF. No more. Was there ANY coverage of this in the Western world? It seems as if the media doesn’t care if rockets are flying over Israeli homes.

The IDF has significantly increased their offensive across Gaza. Over 200 known and marked terrorist sites were hit this week. Entire neighborhoods are being searched and cleared, civilians evacuated. Every building with any Hamas infrastructure…weapons storages, maps, letters, papers, ammunition, uniforms… is being demolished. It is a planned and systematic takedown that Israel was held back from doing under Biden. It is efficient and effective. The army has begun building the Morag Corridor to prevent smuggling between Rafah and Egypt. More Hamas command is being eliminated including the “journalist” responsible for filming and telereporting in live time the 7October attacks. 40% of Gaza is now under Israeli control. The partial remains of one of the hostages was discovered and returned to Israel by the IDF. I do not recall a name being released. I could be wrong. I do not know what ‘partial remains’ means, just what it sounds like, I guess.

This week, Hamas released another of their propaganda videos, showing two more of the hostages alive – Max Herkin and Bar Kupershtein. It was another depressing and disgusting video. Qatar, Oman and Egypt are part of the newest round of hostages negotiations. They are offering 8 hostages (both alive and dead) in return for a total IDF withdrawal, 70 day pause leading to complete ceasefire. They also demand the release of over 1000 convicted prisoners I Israeli jails. These include people who have attempted or succeeded in carrying out terror attacks against Israelis – stabbings, car rammings, shootings, and bombings. More than 20 plane loads of Gazans have been airlifted out of the Strip. Some bound for Somalia, others Iraq, Germany and Ireland.

It was also reported this week, but picked up by few mainstream media outlets, that over 70% of Gazan casualties are army-age men. This proves that the Israeli army is doing a superb job of avoiding civilian casualties, whereas Hamas is still intent on using the innocent as shields and forcing them at gunpoint to remain in known combat zones. They use hospitals, schools and mosques as cover and fire at IDF and Israeli targets from civilian population pockets. At least 3400 previously identified and named children that the Gaza Health Authority (Hamas) claimed were killed by Israeli airstrikes were mysteriously deleted from their recent list of fatalities. Hamas has falsified their data, inflating their casualty rates. Inaccuracies also sited were: men listed as women to inflate female fatality reports; adults registered as children; the inclusion of natural deaths in reporting. The IDF has estimated that approximately 17,000 Hamas terrorists have been eliminated in the fighting. The real combatant to civilian death ratio is now listed as 1:1, which is significantly better than in most modern wars where the ratio is 1:9.

Fighting continues between the IDF and terrorist gangs in Judaea and Samaria (West Bank). The army has been trying to clear terror cells out of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and the entire region. New Jewish communities/settlements have been approved for the area. I despise the word settlements, because it sounds like squatters or pioneers. They are actually modern suburban villages or towns which are master-planned by urban architects and are scheduled to be built in the coming years.

And FrenchPresident Macron wrote yesterday that “France will announce a full recognition of a Palestinian state with Easyt Jerusalem as its capital I June, out of commitment to peace and stability in the region.” Has no one yet informed him that the Two State solution is now officially dead?

And the cutest story: the IDF dress code has changed allowing non-religious men to have beards (regular soldiers, not just reservists. My son wore a righteous, gnarly beard and had a pony tail while he served in reserves). I guess it’s only fair. The girls can now wear colored nail polish. How cute is that? And all soldiers are allowed to travel home in their field attire instead of having to wear their dress uniforms on public transportation. These seemingly small, insignificant changes are a huge morale boost, especially to the combat soldiers.

More on the political intrigue and the “Deep Swamp” as well as the Netanyahu trials (immediately after landing in Israel from his White House trip, he headed to testify in his Supreme Court trial). Plus all of the Balaam going on with our Shin Bet (like the CIA) which has been found to be thoroughly corrupt. But I’ll save all that for after Passover. Until then have a sweet holiday, if you are celebrating.

Operation Strength and Sword. War Stories Day 529. 18 March, 2025

We’re now in the US for a month as my daughter was due with her second baby almost two weeks ago. Great news, finally late last night she had a peaceful, joyful home birth with a midwife. There were no complications. She had a baby girl, 6 pounds 12 ounces (3.07 kg) and the happy family are resting comfortably. John and I are in a hotel taking care of her 3 year old big brother. Later, a zoo trip is in order.

But first, I’ve been carefully watching all the news from the Israeli side – absolutely none of which has been reported on any news stations or paper here. So last night’s declaration of war on Gaza came as a surprise to many. Over the three weeks, the US has been involved (with Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Hamas) in intense hostage negotiation and continuation of the cease-fire talks.

Hamas refused every single offer put on the table. Israel, in good faith, continued offering an emptying of prisons of many remaining convicted terrorists including all who have been captured during the war over the past 17 months. They tried to negotiate a ceasefire through the end of April. And a rebuilding of Gaza. The US envoy with Steve Witcoff attempted to secure the release of eleven hostages: one American who is still alive; three that were known to need intensive hospitalization and eight bodies including those of 4 Americans. Then they asked for the return of 5 – one alive, 4 dead. All requests were denied. 59 hostages are still in captivity. Those alive are suffering greatly as per the reports from the recently released hostages.

Hamas has violated every single ceasefire from October, 2023 onward. They have launched missiles during a pause of fighting. They have delayed in releasing names of hostages to be set free. Hamas returned the body of an unknown woman in the coffin which was supposed to hold Shari Bibas (it was soon rectified). They delayed the release of hostages in order to stage elaborate propaganda sets. They have sent little children as young as 4 years old, to the border and to IDF outposts to ‘spy out’ the troops and territory (just last week). They have continued to dig tunnels and pour cement to reinforce the tunnels even as there was a pause in fighting. And weapons caches have been found smuggled in through both Egypt and through humanitarian aid shipments.

On the 20th February, Hamas-associated operatives operating from Judaea/Samaria (West Bank) infiltrated into Israel planting bomb on busses in 5 Israeli cities. There have been dozens of stabbing and shooting attacks throughout Israel during the ceasefire. The White House reports that Hamas leaders will not agree to any reasonable offer to end the war.

Last night Israel proceeded with “Operation Strength and Sword,” a preemptive campaign designed to prevent another surprise incursion by Hamas operatives into Israeli territory. Troop movements were detected and intelligence picked up as to their intent to execute another 7 October attack. The military operation, a return to war, was designed to force Hamas back to the negotiating table. It is a limited measure.

The decision to resume airstrikes on Gaza was approved unanimously by all the ministers of Israel’s security agencies as well as both present IDF Chief of Staff and past head, Former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Israel began targeted strikes (NOT indiscriminate bombing) last night from the sea and air. The IDF identified over 100 terror targets aimed at many top and mid-level commanders. At least 12 senior officials have been eliminated including:

  • Major General Mahmoud Abu Wafta, Undersecretary of Gaza’s Interior Ministry. He was responsible for the rebuilding of destroyed Hamas infrastructure.
  • Brigadier general Bahjat Abu Sultan, head of central operations
  • Abu Obeida Al-Jamasi, senior member of Hamas political and propaganda/journalism bureau
  • Abu Omar Al-khatta, Secretary General of Gaza’s Ministry of Justice
  • Abu Hamza, Spokesman for Islamic Jihad
  • Hassan Al-Naam Abu Ali, Senior member of PIJ

Some of their homes that were bombed in the surprise attack also housed their wives and children, who were also killed.

A statement from the Hostage Families Forum was just released:

The greatest fear of the families, the hostages and the citizens of Israel [not all by any means, my addition] has come true. The Israeli government has chosen to abandon the hostages. We are shocked, outraged and terrified at the deliberate collapse of the process to return our loved ones from Hamas captivity. Resuming the war will put the remaining 59 [ many are corpses being held] at greater risk.

In other news, in Syria, the Al-Julani regime now in power have killed over 8,000 Christians, Alawites and Kurds in systematic emptying of villages and executions. This has happened in Latakia, Hamas, Homs, Jablah and outlying towns. Over 150 Druze elders from the mountain villages bordering Israel on the slope of Mt. Hermon, were allowed entry into Israel to visit the holy shrines of their saints. These included the tombs of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law; the prophet Sabalan/Zebulon, and 2 others. It was the first time the Druze communities have been reunited since 1948. They were hosted for an overnight stay and meeting with the heads of the Israeli Druze communities.

Druze sheiks from Syria visit Israel

IDF air strikes targeting remaining chemical weapons storage facilities near Damascus and other weapons depots resumed in Syria over the past two days. Israel does not want these to fall into the hands of terrorist insurgents. Also, several targeted strikes by the IAF were made on Hizbulla tunnels and strongholds in Lebanon. Hizbulla, also, has been continually violating the terms of their ceasefire. Israel is now on the offensive in preventing further attacks on the citizens of Israel, hoping that all those displaced from the northern border towns and villages will soon be able to return.

The Trump administration has been bombing key missile sites and ports in Yemen to put down the Houthi regime. They have been putting a stranglehold on shipping in the Red Sea/Gulf of Adan/Arabian Sea. As I was writing this article, at exactly 10am California time/ 7pm Israel time, the Houthis launched missiles from Yemen headed towards both Dimona, the nuclear reactor site, and Ben Gurion airport. The airport closed all operations temporarily. Iron Dome was able to intercept both warheads.

In the meantime, we have begun to get news from the MidEast on television here. The Gaza Red Cresent (health ministry) is reporting over 1700 children have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. It is interesting to note, that the people who cannot keep count and location of 59 remaining hostages are able to give a death toll in less than 12 hours. Israel has estimated that just over 300 people total have been killed, but this is just a proximate count. As far as I know, there has not been any report of troop movement into Gaza.

As for us, John has been a crack trooper in fending off concerted attacks on the cookies and mini fridge. He’s changed 2 diapers, and wrestled the pjs off a wiggling toddler to put on his outfit of the day. Toddler wrangling while I write this post has him in awe of how I managed 4 little ones under the age of 7. The toy cars have been lined up and are ready to roll across the floor. And if I can get myself in gear, we will go to the zoo soon. I’ll try to send a photo of the baby soon…. And if any other news develops, I shall try to report.