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twdunbar2015

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July 18, 2024

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charitable organizations, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel news, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Uncategorized, War stories

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A Thousand and One Acts of Kindness War Stories. Day 286

The following three posts in series started in response to my readers asking how they could help, get involved, or donate to Israel. They wanted to know how to support Israel’s people and the chayalim (soldiers) in this time of great need. I’ve spent the last three weeks really investigating the following organizations and people: their mission, their effectiveness, their meeting needs directly in different ways.

John and I have donated to certain organizations in the past, only to find out they are bogged down in bureaucracy or that the top officers are taking out huge salaries for themselves. We want our charitable giving to go directly to where it’s most needed. The three individuals or groups I’ve decided to highlight are mostly all volunteer with little to no overhead. I never cease to be amazed at the work individual citizens are doing in this country to help others. It is truly humbling. Everyone I’ve interviewed wants to do even more. Most work full time jobs, have families and volunteer in their “spare time.” Some are active duty reservists or are wives of reservists. They are superheroes.

Before you donate, I ask you to read carefully the next three articles I will be publishing. Look over the organizations, the individuals that run them and the work they are doing. Be prayerful. I know times are hard, but your support can make a world of difference. I thank you in advance-

I first learned about Just One Chesed from a group I belong to on WhatsApp that connects peoples’ needs to volunteers and donation centers. Whenever I called the operations manager, Dani Eisenstock, he responded within a few minutes. All the volunteers at their center are incredibly cheerful and ready to help. A friend of ours in the reserves needed a fire retardant suit, and they had one for him within minutes. These people are incredible and I highly support them and their efforts.

Just One Chesed is an organization that began in 2015. In Hebrew, a chesed is an act of kindness, and Dani Eisenstock, Pinni Rotter and Jerry Latinik, three young American Israelis and neighbors (and army reservists) saw the many needs of the soldiers and decided to address them. Since then, they have brought direct aid to thousands during the COVID pandemic in 2020-2021; the influx of Ukrainian refugees to Israel in 2022; and now, the current war.

The group’s many volunteers are working tirelessly to meet the direct needs of the Israeli soldiers and the Israeli people. Their two central locations, one in Efrat and the other in the Gush, take in requested donations and distribute them immediately, both to the soldiers and to the people in need. At the onset of the war this past October, so many Israelis, Lone Soldiers and expats answered the call to defend the country. Reservists of both sexes and all ages returned to Israel, flying in from all over the world. Over 360,000 people showed up, and the IDF was so overwhelmed that they couldn’t meet the immediate needs of the soldiers. Just One Chesed stepped up to the plate, bringing in everything from army boots and sleeping bags to medic kits, hygiene items, hydration systems, straps for soldiers’ guns, helmets and other tactical gear.

Tool kits to be delivered to a unit in need

Soldiers, units and bases contact the organization directly to request certain items. “We tend to stay 2-3 weeks ahead of everyone else in meeting the many needs of the soldiers for equipment. We have contacts and suppliers throughout the world. We know someone in New York who knows a person in Toronto who knows a supplier in Nebraska or Pennsylvania… there are so many wild connections.” states Eisenstock. “For example, there was an immediate need for ceramic inserts for bulletproof vests for the soldiers going into Gaza. Much of the reservists’ gear is old and too heavy for long days in battle in the shetach (field) and they required lighter and safer equipment. We were able to procure within days, 8.4 million shekels (over $2 million) worth of gear from private donations and suppliers and army supply stores across North America.”

There is still an urgent need for fire retardant coveralls for the soldiers in tanks and armored transport vehicles, especially in larger sizes.

On a personal note: John and I have a dear friend who is a medic in the reserves. This young father of two with another baby on the way, has spent over four months serving in tanks in the North as well as in Gaza. He is now on leave, and we called Yardi to verify this story. Sure enough. The tank he is assigned to holds a driver, a commander and two other soldiers. Yardi rides piggyback with a paramedic and they ride where 17 rounds of ammunition are usually stored. The four other soldiers each have one pair of army-issued Nomex suits which are old, heavy and cumbersome. They are worn for 12-18 hour shifts at a time and are usually not able to be laundered for two weeks straight. Yardi, our combat medic friend, and the paramedic wear only their regular uniforms as they are not classified as true combat soldiers. To add to the gravity, the tanks and ATVs are prime targets for the rocket propelled grenades (very mobile, portable, shoulder-launched rocket grenades) that Hamas uses. John and I were appalled, and this is just one, personal reason I am writing this article. We want to challenge others to help us raise funds for Just One Chesed to purchase these badly needed fire retardant suits, each one costing only $160.

Most people outside of Israel do not realize that the IDF is actually fighting the war on the land, in the air and at sea on six different fronts simultaneously! These include the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in Gaza as well as the Houthis in Eilat and the Red Sea; Hizbulla on the Lebanese border affecting much of the North and Iranian backed rebels in Syria attacking the Golan Heights. As if this was not enough, there is a huge internal problem. Many soldiers and border patrol are actively fighting terrorism in Jenin, Tulkarm, Qalandiya, Hevron and other hotbeds in Judaea and Samaria (aka the “West Bank”). Stores of weapons, explosives and cash have been found in addition to terror tunnels leading into Israel. Also, within Israel, police and IDF try to fend off and respond to localized terrorist attacks.

In addition to soldiers’ needs, Just One Chesed has provided baby packs- diapers, bottles, strollers, clothes, furniture and toys- to mothers displaced from their communities at a moment’s notice last October. Currently, over 92,000 people, mostly young families, have been evacuated from their communities both in the ‘Gaza Envelope’ and in the North.

https://youtu.be/4DTLNmyXvVQ?feature=shared

In the last nine months, this amazing organization has been helping the displaced families from the Gaza Envelope, the area that was hardest hit by the 7 October Hamas massacre, missile launches and acts of and terrorism. After long months of living in cramped hotel rooms throughout the country, many families are deciding to move into their own apartments. They are still dealing with uncertainty, PTSD, and war raging alongside their old towns and kibbutzim. Many homes are still uninhabitable. Because of this, they must start over.

Last week, Menachem Katz, who also works with Just One Chesed, heard that the City Tower Hotel in Ramat Gan was doing a complete remodel, so he got the owners to donate all of their furniture to the refugees. He gathered up many volunteers, some on leave from their military service, to pick up the furniture, take it to their warehouse and to begin distributing it as

https://youtube.com/shorts/PBfeX587MTg?feature=shared

Just One Chesed has also been providing events for the families of those suffering from the trauma of the terrorism, having family members kidnapped or killed, or being a wife of a reservist who has been in Gaza for four or more months. They are providing coping workshops, bringing in pro-bono therapists who lead counseling, breathing and stress-relieving classes. They provided specially designed packs of cards for the children to help them deal with their stress on their own level. Providing direct assistance for the families of reserve soldiers also helps pick up the lack of income and other support for those with fathers and husbands away from home for extended periods.

It’s not just physical needs with which Just One Chesed is involved. For example, wives and mothers of hostages and soldiers who have never lit Shabbat candles before were blessed with sets of beautiful silver candlesticks donated by Hazorfim Judaica stores. This started their “Candlestick Project,” giving out pairs of Shabbat candlesticks to women who have never ushered in the Sabbath by blessing and lighting the candles. They can now bring in the holy light of the Sabbath into their homes with silver candlesticks, each in memory of female fallen soldiers – and yes, there are quite a few women who have given their lives.

‘The Tefillin Project’ was launched in memory of IDF soldier, Elkana Viesel (of blessed memory), who lost his life in Gaza, to purchase phylactery boxes used by Jewish men in prayer. The pairs of tefillin have been handed out to all Viesel’s friends serving in Gaza who requested them. Now, Just One Chesed is receiving permission from families of the fallen who wish to have tefillin given to soldiers requesting them in their memory. As of March, 2024, over 100 pair have been distributed.

Just One Chesed in Israel is a non-profit organization with an Israeli amutah (tax exempt status) as well as an American 501C. They are a branch of the greater Just One Chesed Center in Chicago. Here in Israel,they are constantly shifting to meet the needs of the people directly. There is little to no overhead and little to no waste. The group has a talent for assessing the needs of the people and providing them with the immediate resources to receive the right help at the right time. Matching grants from individuals, synagogues, churches or organizations are more than welcomed, as are individual donations at all levels. Volunteers come from within Israel and from all over the world to donate their time and talent. There is an incredible energy throughout the centers – among the community volunteers as well as youth groups, synagogue groups, and other volunteers who are always warmly welcomed.

https://youtube.com/shorts/7vBUCB519N4?feature=shared

You can find out about Just One Chesed and how YOU can get involved by visiting http://www.justonechesed.org/aid4israel. Be sure to visit their site on http://www.chibukim.org. They also have a strong social media presence including on Instagram @justonechesed and @hugsforheroes. For a donation link use https://jocdonors.donorsupport.co/page/FUNSCYYFXDF.

(As of this writing, their Efrat center just suffered from an electrical fire over this past Shabbat. Thanks be to G-d, the sprinkler system was working and the fire was extinguished quickly. Yet there was still extensive smoke damage and there is still no electricity. They have had teams of volunteers working round the clock to salvage, clean and restock as much as they can, and are actually operational again.)

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July 11, 2024

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Day 279

Nine months in. So much is happening on a daily basis it’s hard to keep up here. Since I last posted, early Sunday morning, there was a barrage of over 40 missiles shot from Lebanon into the Galilee and Golan. Red alerts were in the towns all around us, and we were able to see and hear several of the IronDome interceptions from our balcony. Several of my friends in outlying communities spent the morning in bomb shelters. The targets were military bases, but most of the rockets were headed for the myriad Arabic-speaking (Muslim, Christian, Druze) population centers. The Iron Dome anti-missile system, fortunately intercepted all the rockets except for the ones whose trajectories were destined for open fields.

Point: Hizbulla does not discriminate between Jewish and Muslim and Christian population centers. Whether their aim is bad, their weapons substandard, our defense superior, or Divine providence, very few hit their intended targets. Their rockets do more psychological damage than anything else, although I am not trying to minimize the damage to homes and businesses as well as the civilian and IDF casualties.

I’ve learned to time my comings and goings to the latest local news. It seems Hizbulla sends over armed drones and rockets in the early morning, noon, around three in the afternoon, at sunset and later at night. They have a limited reach, which has never directly affected us. When the IDF targets and kills a high level IRGC or Hizbulla official or commander, the intense drone and missile strikes are launched. This is the time we know to stay close to home just in case. Last week there were two of these volleys of 40-60 missiles targeting the Galilee and the Golan. The drones are difficult to intercept because they are mostly plastic and fly quite low avoiding detection. These military grade drones supplied by Iran can carry 88 pounds of explosives and can travel at speeds of upwards of 360 mph.

Yesterday we drove up to the mountain city of Tsfat for a medical appointment. On the way up, we saw the destruction from the missile strikes this week. (We were running really late so I couldn’t get out and photograph) Patches of the Birya Forest on the side of the mountains all the way up to the road’s edge burned out. Vineyards beautifully green with a charred area surrounding a small crater were fairly prevalent. The smell of burnt wood and sulfur still hung heavy in the air. We marveled at how close some of the missile strikes came to structures (farm buildings, a random cafe, the tomb of a holy prophet) yet did not reach them. We took another route down the mountain to try to see any signs of missile strikes, but with the flow of traffic and the steep winding roads, it was nearly impossible to pull to the side and take pictures.

Late Tuesday afternoon, early evening, I received news of a direct hit on a car carrying two passengers in the Golan Heights. The incoming missiles were from Syria and were targeting the many military bases scattered throughout the Golan.

Yesterday the names of the couple were released and their funeral held. Noa and Nir Barnes, both 46, were from Ortal, very much a suburban US style community of young families. Ortal is known for their grapes and magnificent winery as well as their cherries and fruit orchards. We frequent both. The Barnes’ car was hit at the junction which is less than a mile from my son’s base when he serves in the reserves. Nir and Noa left behind three kids, ages 16,14 and 12. Our good friend’s son was best friends with Mattan, the eldest son. So it really hits home. This is a very small country. We are all affected.

On the broader news front: 3000 missiles designated to be used by Israel in defensive ops only (everything is specified, ordered, procured, contracted out, paid for and stipulated in advance in international legal contracts) have been held up by the current US administration. High level meetings between Israel and the US have been ongoing over the past couple months in order to get the weapons delivered. Yesterday an agreement was reached which will see the delivery of 1500 midsize missiles. The larger, long range missiles are still delayed. This piece of common knowledge sends a very strong message to the enemy countries that surround us. Advanced weaponry serves as a deterrent to attack by these malign forces.

In other news: the Israeli Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee has approved three bills to curtail UNRWA. The legislation will ban the organization from operating in Israel, including in East Jerusalem. It will brand it as a terrorist organization complicit with Hamas, thus requiring Israel to cut ties. It will strip staff of UN of their legal immunity ties such as tax exempt status. This is a good thing. UNRWA has been documented explicitly as housing weapons manufacturing, terrorism, terror tunnels in Gaza. Some UNRWA workers (teachers, humanitarian aid suppliers, health care workers) have been found to have definitively harbored some of the rescued Israeli hostages. They are totally complicit.

Upon its clearing Rafah in Southern Gaza, the IDF relocated what was thought to be civilian refugees back to the center of the Strip and the Gaza City area. Neighborhoods that were previously left relatively intact by the IDF because they were Christian neighborhoods, have now been found to harbor terrorists. Whether Hamas operatives have taken over the abandoned homes, schools and some church property or whether they were present from the beginning is not clear, but areas such as the Shejaiya neighborhood have become a hotbed of Hamas fighting. More terror tunnels and weapons storage facilities are being documented in video by the IDF before they are blown up. There are far more tunnels discovered than previously thought to have existed. They serve as underground passages for Hamas to run, hide, store weapons and hide hostages. Thousands of active Hamas terrorists have been captured.

The IDF is still warning civilians in active military zones to leave by dropping leaflets telling them to leave the area. They are warning the people in advance to clear out by loudspeaker and providing military coverage and pathways to safe corridors of passage. All is being carefully filmed and documented for later use. Still, there are reports of civilians who refuse to leave or who are being used under threat as human shields by Hamas.

The Gaza Health Ministry, an arm of Hamas, continually spits out inflated, and ever-changing numbers of civilian casualties and deaths. These numbers are held as Gospel truth by many journalists, leaders and global organizations. There is never a report of Hamas killed. Many of the Hamas soldiers, who once dressed in khakis and balaclavas with their signature green headband (now chic pro-Palestinian protestor fashion) have now traded in their uniforms for civvies. They are carefully disguising themselves as refugees in order to escape detection. Urban guerrilla warfare is now the modus operendi.

Many of the buildings and almost all of the tunnels are extremely booby trapped. Different tactics are used by the terrorists to lure the Israeli soldiers into a trapped building. The IDF has used different tactics in discovering hidden explosives including aerial drones, canine units and other devices to prevent being caught. Unfortunately, they are not always successful. It is intense and difficult operationally. The most extreme caution is being taken to reduce casualties, both for the IDF soldiers and for civilians.

I am currently working on several articles with documented research and interviews. In the weeks upcoming I hope to be able to share some of my investigative work with you. In the meantime, we pray for a peaceful weekend with no action and no bad news.

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July 5, 2024

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Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, War stories

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The Moving Frame Day 273

Yesterday I shared with you a bit of excitement in our neck of the woods. The terrorist attack in our local mall, the rocket and drone attack from Hizbulla. There were rumors flying around my What’s App groups and thankfully all proved to be false. The morning and early afternoon started off with a bang, but was over as quickly as it blew up.

I’m not sure if Israelis are just super resilient. Perhaps they have learned to live with all that goes on here. Perhaps the people have things to do and are just getting on with living their lives. I guess we all just stay calm and carry on. It’s as if the frame of what is normal just keeps moving over bit by bit and one grows accustomed to constant drama.

By early evening, just about an hour before sunset, when the temperature begins to drop just a little (it’s so hot here!!!) and the breeze picks up, the parade starts. It’s a “thing” here to go outside a take an evening walk. For exercise. To walk the dog/s. For socialization. It seems the entire country empties out and walks the streets and promenades. The children go out to play football (soccer) and basketball. The playgrounds are filled with laughing toddlers and groups of pre-teen girls huddle together. It’s actually very wholesome.

After the craziness of the day, I was still surprised when we went out to take our dog for a walk. The weekly yoga class was happening on the patio the reform synagogue. Pilates group was meeting in the park. There were a few vigorous ping pong games going and no one seemed concerned about anything at all.

So far, today, things are quiet. People were shopping for their Shabbat meal ingredients. Buying flowers. Bustling around the town. No jets strafing the sky. There’s rumors of an imminent hostage release/ceasefire deal with Hamas, but we’ve gone through that before. This time, it’s supposed to be very very close to being accepted by both parties.

Anglo and Israeli alike know that the Biden admin has been putting tremendous pressure on both parties. If they can claim a MidEast peace deal and all is great again, they feel they can win the upcoming election. A lot is at stake for Joe &Co.

In the meantime, I am busy preparing for the Sabbath. The house is cleaned and the salmon is marinating. I made a cold blueberry soup (fresh cold fruit soups are very popular here during the summer) which will be topped with fresh cream. Tomorrow we shall have a light chicken salad with fresh cherries. I’m still working on the side dishes and trying to figure out what I can do for dessert. I pray for a very uneventful weekend for all of us around the world – and that the captives in Gaza will be set free or rescued.

Shabbat shalom.

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July 4, 2024

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Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, War stories

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The Shpilkies

Shpilkies is Yiddish for ‘pins/needles’ as in “I’m sitting on pins and needles.” It has the underlying context of being highly agitated while waiting for something to happen. SHPILL-keys is how I pronounce it. So at this moment I’m more than a little jumpy. I’ve got the shpilkies as we are on extremely high alert/at the edge of the cliff. But more on that later….

First a big thank you to Daya, to Mike, to Nance and Dalia. I love you Susie and Julie, and send a virtual hug to all who have reached out with emails and calls or messages over the past 24 hours to check up on us. We are ok. John and I are home, our guests left on Sunday (it was a sweltering but lovely visit) and Max is back in Herzliya grading stacks of exam papers.

Update

Yesterday I reported on what was then breaking news. A large cache of weapons found in the town across the freeway. Suspected terrorists arrested. Then a knife stabbing at the Karmi’el mall. Three people downed including the terrorist, a Muslim teen from the next down over. He came up from behind, targeting the two soldiers returning home on leave from their base. Both soldiers were wounded and ambulanced out immediately.

The IDF announced the death of Sgt. Aleksandr Iakiminskyi (z”l), age 19. He was from Nahariyya, a coastal city near the Lebanese border. Despite being mortally injured, Aleksandr displayed heroic efforts. After being stabbed numerous times in the chest area, he managed to shoot the terrorist before he could harm other civilians in the crowded mall.

Large police forces and our mayor, Moshe Koninski arrived on the scene immediately to assess the situation and make sure there were no other terrorists in the area. “Unfortunately we are experiencing such an event for the first time…It’s an old shopping center that is used by most of the surrounding communities. I hear a lot of speculation about the identity of the assailant, but we will let the police complete their investigation. I really hope it’s not a resident of the area. There are weeds everywhere, among Jews and Arabs alike.”

The assailant was identified as a 20 year old Arab Israeli Muslim from Nahef. His mother was also arrested inside the mall and taken in for questioning. Both the adjoining towns across the highway from Karmi’el were cordoned off and other suspects are being questioned. The mayor of Nahef, Mohammed Zuri was quick to denounce the attack. “We maintain good neighborliness with Karmi’el and the Jewish population, and hope that this will not ruin our relations. There is outrage in our village about this event, which we hope is an isolated incident that I strongly condemn.”

Currently, there is a thorough search of the terrorist’s house underway. Shuki Tahauko, a Circassian Israeli and police commander of the Northern District said this was a “severe terrorist attack.” Karmi’el is once again on high alert with extremely beefed up security. We had let our guard down from the early days since 7 October in an effort to return to normalcy, I’m afraid. Terror attacks are relatively rare in this part of Israel even though there is a large mixed Arab population.

New immigrant, Olga Iakiminskyi, the soldier’s mother stated, “I’m very proud of him (Aleksandr). He had it tough in the army in the beginning, and lately, he felt welcomed there. He made a lot of friends, and liked the people he served with. He was happy that he was contributing something to the country. Aleksandr was supposed to return home today.” His burial took place early this morning (Thursday).” He was a truck driver in an armed battalion in the North.

The name of the other soldier has not yet been released; however, he was taken by ambulance to the Western Galilee Medical Center in Nahariyya where he remains in stable, but serious condition.

Both Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have issued statements praising the attack. It is being labeled “ a natural response to Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people and apartheid activities in the West Bank and their operations in Gaza.” The PIJ called the attacker “a true shahid and one of the heroes of our people.”

In other news, yesterday the IDF killed a major Hizbulla regional field commander in Lebanon, Nimeh Nasser, also known as Abu Ali was targeted in the city of Tyre. There were no other reports of deaths or injuries from the strike. Both sides have made it clear that a ground war is not desirable, but as the Israeli army wraps up the brunt of its operations in Gaza, the focus turns Northward.

The Ayatollah in Iran has already threatened that if Israel invades, Iran will come into the picture in full force, threatening Israel’s complete annihilation. President Biden quickly made a counter statement… to Israel and Prine Minister Netanyahu. (Was it to prove his mental acuity or his sharpness and ability to quickly take control of a situation after his disastrous performance at last week’s debates?) “If you go against Iran, you are on your own,” was his response to Israel. The two leaders are scheduled to meet in person in a few weeks when Netanyahu travels to Washington, D.C. to address both houses of Congress. In reality, Iran sees the Biden statement as a sign of American weakness and a green light to attack Israel. They continue the influx of arms and soldiers into both Lebanon and Syria.

Last night over 100 Katyusha rockets and suicide drones laden with incendiary devices were shot across the Lebanese border into Israel. The rockets were targeting military bases in the Golan Heights. Hizbulla also used Falaq rockets with heavy payloads targeting a military brigade near Kiryat Shmona. Several large fires were burning in the Upper Galilee as of this morning.

Our morning today started off rather uneventfully. It is the 4th of July, Independence Day in the US. John and I were discussing if we should do anything special (it’s not celebrated here, of course). Then we started talking about the things we loved most about this special day, and I said “Oh. That’s easy! I really miss when all the kids and their friends would climb up in the roof and we would all watch the amazing fireworks display!”

Absolutely the wrong memory and the worst possible words and timing. At 11:30 all hell seemed to break loose. The red alerts on my phone started going off faster than ever before – even faster than on 7 October. Rocket attacks. Drones. From the Mediterranean Sea town of Rosh haNikra all across Northern Israel, scattershot to the Golan Heights. Talk about fireworks!!! And of course John piped in, “I think they heard you and are helping us celebrate.”

Open each photo. Look at the times. Now look at the number of alerts. My phone stops at 100.

What to do? The safe room is ready. What to do? Keep calm and carry on until I hear a siren in our neighborhood. I went outside to continue my gardening. At least I’d be able to get photos of an iron dome interception or activity fairly close by. As I was successfully fighting off powdery mildew from my zucchini (thank you Deanna at Homesteadandchill.com) and hand fertilizing the cucumbers, I could hear the warning sirens far off in the distance. Not here. Things were certainly escalating. Would this be the day that total war would break out? Where is the dog? He should be inside, easy to scoop up and take downstairs. Remove the old beans and stake back the heavily laden tomatoes. Keep calm. Be ready to move downstairs.

I begin to get the shpilkies. Will Max be able to make it to summer camp? What if he is called up for reserve duty? Will we be able to fly out in early August for our own summer vacation? Do I have enough underwear and short sleeve shirts in the safe room for John and myself? Why did we not buy a generator?

The IDF jets were and are still whizzing around the skies. My shpilkies have gone, as after an hour of heavy barrage, it was over as quickly as it began. Whew! Another bullet dodged, pun intended. I scanned all the local news channels. Lots of fires started. Over 100 instances of shrapnel falling to the ground. Warnings to report at once and NOT to go near any piece of shrapnel as it might be a yet undetonated rocket part or bomb. A couple direct hits in Akko, including an undetonated rocket that landed at the farmer’s market (we were just there Friday morning!)

Bottom picture: Follow the smoke trail to see the moment the rocket piece impacts the roof. Akko Farmers’ Market July 4, 2024

The IDF and local authorities are still responding to calls of direct impact. We are fine. Thank you, G-d. But my big question is this: Did YOU hear ANYTHING of this???? In any news feed? Did this make any of your news? What would you or your country do in this situation? Obviously, this was not our red line as everything is fairly calm now. I pray there were no casualties. We shall have the rest of the story soon, I hope. In the meantime, we still pray for peace, for the protection of our country and its citizens, and for people to wake up.

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Posted on

July 3, 2024

Posted under

israel, Israel Gaza war, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, War stories

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Volatility and Breaking News Day 271. War Stories.

I confess. I get a bit jumpy at times. And have a hard time falling and staying asleeep. If I fall asleep and there is a siren, will I hear it in time to make it down to the Mammad? When we go to a store or shopping area, the first instinct is to look for the large signs indicating a protected space. It’s an interesting way to live, always looking over your shoulder, so to speak.

Daily we get updates on the threat level. Somewhere in the North there is a red line to be crossed. I don’t know what or where that line is: it never seems to be specified out loud, but it looms on the horizon, just out of sight.

How can I best describe what life is like for me now? It’s like watching an action movie that gets so intense that you sometimes have to take a break. Even though you know the end of the story (spoiler alert- it turns out really well for the good guys), you don’t know where YOUR part comes in. You know all the actors are there on set, but you can’t remember exactly how or where or when the action will take shape.

In another analogy: if/when an all out war breaks out here in the North, will it be like ripping a bandage off a wound quickly? Or will it be a slow, spreading ooze of an infection? Pretty disgusting, I know, but if only I had a crystal ball or a magical screen that could peer into the future. Will it start with a bang or a squeak? It’s something that is completely beyond my control, so I just have to go about my days as normally and positively as possible.

Just in. Breaking news as I am writing this: Earlier this morning a large cache of weapons was found in a neighboring Arab city directly across the highway from us. Currently helicopters are circling overhead and my friend just NOW sent me another news flash. There has been a stabbing incident at our large outdoor shopping mall. The terrorist was neutralized (exactly what does this mean? Killed or just downed?) but not before he was able to stab three people. Two are in critical condition and will be taken to nearby hospitals. One is lightly injured.

No. I am not afraid. It says 365 times in the Scriptures, “Fear not.” “Do not be afraid. I am with you.” “ I go before you. Do not fear.” There is also a very popular Hebrew song that goes, “The whole world is a very narrow bridge. The main thing is to have no fear at all but faith in G-d.”

So interesting. Such timing. Such excitement. Coincidence? We just got a call from our dear friend in Virginia. Seems it’s the lede story on the Times of Israel webpage now. She wanted to know if we knew or had heard or seen anything. The people stabbed at our local mall this morning were soldiers.

If we stay hidden inside our homes for fear of attack, they have won. If our lives are crippled, our lives and patterns changed, then they have won. If we are so paralyzed that we leave the country and move elsewhere, they have won. We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied. Remain vigilant. Keep calm. Carry on. Be happy. Do good. Live life fully with gratitude.

I was going through my photos last night. My phone gives me highlights and memories of where we were in years past on that date. Four years ago on 2 July, John and I were enjoying a lovely tiyuul (daytrip) with friends to see the art/grafitti at the northern border wall. The wall or barrier with Lebanon. At that time, we could go right up to the highly patrolled wall, and even into the little lookouts.

The most interesting part was the graffiti. Most of it was symbolic of Israel’s desire for peace and for both sides to be able to come together. Even the Bible verse from Isaiah looks forward to the time when nation will not life sword against nation.

I have no doubt that the border wall is now pretty much shot up now. That all the wonderful places we used to frequent- I just hope they are all intact and can return to normal visits soon enough – the Irish pub, in Fassuta (how random to find an actual authentic Irish pub that catered to the UK UNFIL forces!); the natural rock formation, Keshet Arch; the caves near the Lebanese border; Amram, Dalton and Naftali Wineries; Julius Distillery and the wonderful little cafe in Hanita; Birya Forest and picnics; our friends in Gush Halav/Jish with its first century synagogue and Maronite community. The Circassian villages. The Rosh ha Nikrah Caverns and the goat dairy, Galili, at Kibbutz Rosh Ha Nikra. The Canada Center Olympic Ice Rink in Metulla. The hiking in Banias! And all the architectural wonders like Abraham’s City Gate, the oldest found, Agrippas’ palace, Nimrod’s fortress, Crusader Castles. There’s so much beauty and history and wonder here.

I’m saddened by all those who have lost homes and livelihoods because they have been displaced for the past nine months. All the business that have been shuttered. All the tour guides and bus drivers, restaurants and tourist attractions that have been affected, thus directly impacting the average citizen.

More reports as I am writing: My friends’ daughter just went from her regular military service last week, straight into reserve duty without a break. She will not be going back ‘home’ to Texas for her summer vacation. She is needed here on the medical front. They are expecting a full military situation imminently. Yikes. We are prepared as much as can be. I am not afraid. A bit jumpy, but not afraid. Sabres are rattling on all sides in tune to our rattling nerves. Pray. Keep calm and carry on.

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July 1, 2024

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I am so often taken aback when the weekly Scripture reading parallels our own lives or the current news stream. It happens regularly here. To explain, in Judaism as well as many traditional forms of Christianity (Eastern/Greek/Russian Orthodox, Byzantine, Latin Catholic, Episcopal/Church of England/Anglican, Lutheran), there are pre-set readings and a set liturgy for each week of the year. This week’s readings in the synagogue are called ‘Korach’ found in Numbers chapters 16-18.

In the story, there is a national crisis within the camp of the Children of Israel. They are poised to enter into the Promised Land, ‘a Land flowing with milk and honey,’ when ten of the twelve spies sent out return with a bad report. It is at this time of weakness, when the people are disheartened, that Korach attempts a coup against their leader, Moses. Korach, speaking to the general assembly of the Jewish camp, plays upon any resentment already existing. He loudly and brazenly tries to make Moses and Aaron look ridiculously incompetent in the eyes of the people. Seeking the perfect time to challenge Moses and wrest the power for himself, he legitimizes the crisis but twists the truth for his own devious purposes.

Turning the truth on its head, he divides the Children of Israel and foments rebellion. He gets another, Dathan, to accuse Moses loudly, “You seek to dominate us!” Fake news is then served up, causing doubt about the leadership in peoples’ minds and panic to rise up and finally a coup to occur. National unity is destroyed and anarchy is the result.

The people have taken G-d out of the picture, despite His leadings, His show of the shekinah, or Divine Glory, and also His judgements and provision on behalf of the Children of Israel. Korach and his small band have run a well-calculated campaign. It’s like modern day communism. They tell the Jewish people, “We are all holy. We can all be leaders, not just Moses…” The fear of the people has turned to outright rage against the government. They are caught in a nightmare of their own making. The sinful are quickly wiped out by the L-rd Himself and a plague comes upon the people. They are also sentenced to wandering in the desert for forty years.

Yesterday we took someone to the airport , which was followed by a medical appointment in the Tel Aviv area. It seemed that over the weekend, the signs and banners had appeared overnight. I’m not trying to play sides politically. I do not agree with everything our current administration in Israel has done or are doing. I am not in favor of some of the recent decisions made regarding how the war is being conducted. That said, we are in the middle of trying to fight the war. Yes, everyone wants all the captives returned, alive and deceased. We all want a more, peaceful, just land, free from terrorism.

This is most certainly not the time for dissolution of a government or foment a coup. This is not the time for large demonstrations or disruptions Ike those we witnessed in Tel Aviv yesterday. Our wartime national slogan has been “United (together) we will win.” We were attacked during a time of perceived weakness last October. When we are united as a nation, we are strong. Our enemies are watching us and our reactions. If through propaganda or psy-ops, they can turn the heads of some Israeli citizens, they can sow the seeds of dissent.

Israel has been engaged in seemingly endless talks and negotiations to free the hostages in Gaza. Thus far, Hamas has refused. It’s been 19 times already. There is a faction, I believe a very vocal minority, who is saying that Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to resign at once. That new elections need to be held immediately. They are accusing him of delaying the end of a war in order to hold onto control of the government. That he is a dictator. That he is the devil incarnate (truly: there are graffiti slogans with Bibi=666 in prominent locations). And that he had advance knowledge of 7 October and is culpable.

In the meantime, aid has been pouring into Gaza from Jordan from Israel. Israel has filled warehouses in the Gaza Envelope with palettes of apricots, peaches, bananas, cherries, plums, corn, tomatoes, onions, watermelon, cucumbers and avocados from the Galilee, Golan and Hula and Jezreel Valleys. Dry and canned goods from Europe are all waiting on semis to be trucked into Gaza. The problem is hiring drivers to drive the truckloads across the border and risk having their lives taken and the shipments hijacked by Hamas terrorists and by opportunists.

In the United States, the White House is supporting Israel’s right to self defense. However they no longer see Hamas as a threat but an ideology which cannot be extinguished. Shipments of armaments and ammunition which have been ordered by Israel and have been paid for are not being delivered. According to Rep. Michael McCauley chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the White House has delayed the shipment of seven weapons systems. These were signed off on and approved by Congress. Iran is still openly supplying the Houthis in Yemen, rebels in Syria and Hizbulla in Lebanon with weapons.

The Biden administration is advising the IDF generals not to open a second front against Hizbulla in Lebanon. Iran is sending in thousands of IRGC reinforcements to Syria and Lebanon, as well as smuggling Afghani (Taliban) and Pakistani mercenaries into the areas North and East of Israel. Yoav Gallant, Israeli Defense Minister held meetings with US Cabinet officials last week in which dialogue, cooperation, and red lines were discussed. The US and members of NATO are hoping to stave off a full blown war in the North with Hizbulla…at least for now.

Iran is currently holding elections for President. There are three choices, all backed by the ayatollah, as a replacement for the one recently killed when his helicopter crashed. So far, only 19% of Iranians have cast their ballots. Iran is currently capable of producing nuclear tipped ICBMs with the uranium enrichment program that was restarted three years ago. They are now saying that if Israel goes after Hizbulla in Lebanon, they will enter the war in a most unwelcome way. We shall see-

Since the founding of Israel, the ultra Orthodox Haredi men have enjoyed military exemption. While all the other young Jewish men ages 18-21 are serving cumpulsory service, if an Orthodox man aged 18-30 is enrolled in a Yeshiva (Torah/Talmud study) he not eligible for conscription. Last week the Supreme Court ruled that they, too, must serve in some way (there are plenty of openings for non-militants which would also lead to future job training for them). It has always been a hot button among Israelis. Much of Netanyahu’s coalition government is made up of these ultra-orthodox. Many have said they will refuse to comply with the new law. Quite a few are already in the service. Much depends on the rabbis, who hold a lot of sway among their communities. There are already squadrons of Haredi fighters active in Gaza at this time.

In the meantime, to answer a few of your inquiries, I am currently working on a list of places to donate to help the families of soldiers;the families of those who have lost a husband or father who was the primary breadwinner; and to help meet the needs of the soldiers themselves. I occasionally hear of old supplies being used (protective gear) that are in need of being updated for increased safety. I hope to have that blogpost out next week.

In the meantime, it was a fairly quiet weekend for us. We pray for peace on all fronts, but also for evil to be vanquished and for the captives to be rele@ed or found. Please, G-d- and please bring our country into complete unity so we can go forward victorious under G-d.

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June 26, 2024

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War Drums. Day 264. 26 June, 2024

Since the last time I posted, just five days ago, five drones were launched into our area by Hizbulla. We were driving over the crest of the hill to get to our house when I saw a bright flash and a cloud in the sky. Because John was driving, the radio on and a loud conversation with a friend in the backseat, we heard nothing. But I said, “Hey, look! It’s Iron Dome. It just popped two missiles.” Our friend, Tomer said it was only clouds. He was a reservist so he should know. And we hadn’t heard any sirens. Turns out Hizbulla was firing on a top defense site two hills over from where we live. They were trying to hit a strategic target. The drones were sent to a military base nearby, a division headquarters, but they, too, were taken out. Thankfully. That was Sunday morning-

We are all trying to live life as normally as possible here, despite all the bad news. My next door neighbor is pregnant with number two. Every morning she takes her son to kindergarten and then heads off to work. Her husband is an independent contractor and is waiting to be called back to his unit at any time. Our other next door neighbor has just put up an above ground pool so their children can beat the heat. We hear them splashing around and laughing all day, which is a beautiful sign of life. Our neighbor across the street has a pet African Gray Parrot who just loves to squawk “Tsevah adom.Tsevah adom. Tsevah adom.” Red alert. Red alert. Red alert. It drives me nuts.

On Monday we all woke up to the news that President Biden is, in fact, holding up arms and ammunitions shipments to Israel. These are orders than have been paid for 4-6 years ago. It was reported that the USS Teddy Roosevelt would be coming to help out. Sounds good? Like the US is adding layers of protection, right? What wasn’t said was that the Roosevelt is doing its usual six month rotation with the USS Eisenhower, which will be leaving the Mediterranean this week.

Our Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, is in the States currently speaking with the Pentagon and State Department officials. He will be giving an update on the threats Hamas, Hizbulla, and the other arms of the Iranian octopus that are facing us. He should be warmly received by Blinken. President Biden remains sequestered at Camp David preparing for his upcoming debate. Still, there have been conflicting leaks coming from the U.S. Supposedly US officials assured the Israeli delegated that they would have Israel’s back should Hizbulla attacked or tried to invade. Tuesday morning we awoke to the news that US Military Chief, Gen. Charles Q. brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was warning that the U.S. mighty not be able to assist Israel in a war with Hizbulla as it did when Iran sent over 300 missiles and drones last April. He urged the Israeli delegation not to escalate, as it could lead to a broader international conflict that is unwanted….like, who WANTS a war??? And many of us in Israel are asking why we need to give the US all of our military strategies and plans? Why do we listen to these people who will just sell us out? Are we crazy for trusting them?

Hizbulla has fired over 6000 missiles at Northern Israel since 7 October. Towns, villages and kibbutzim have been destroyed. Fires have blazed over our forests and grasslands. There are verifiable reports that Iran is flooding Lebanon with foreign mercenary soldiers. Thousands of fighters dressed as civilians are coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan Iraq and Dagestan (formerly Chechnya). The general Israeli population knows that we are once again facing a war for our existence. It has the potential to include neighboring Syria, the Iraqi Shiite militias and Turkey. Nazralla, head of Hizbulla, has already declared that if Cypress helps Israel, it, too will become a target. Cypress is part of the EU, so that could bring in Europe in a larger scale conflict.

Hoards of American-made weapons, smuggled in from Afghanistan via underground tunnels linking to Egypt, have been found throughout Gaza. Caches found in Rafah and Khan Younis, as well as recovered from surrendering terrorists are no longer ordinary Soviet Kallachnikovs, but US Armed Services guns, bazookas and other weaponry. Reports of weapons being brought into the Rafik Hariri International Airport in south Beirut are no longer secret. Lebanese airport workers anonymously speak of customs being controlled by Hizbulla officials and large rectangular containers of guns, missiles, rocket launchers, etc. which have been arriving to baggage claim for the past two weeks.

This past weekend over 100,000 Lebanese citizens, mostly Christians, flooded the airport, to leave the country. They were bound for Canada, the States and Europe. Have you heard ANYTHING about this???? That’s a little scary.

It’s as if someone has thrown a pall over the country the past few weeks. Everyone here knows war plans have been drawn up and approved for the IDF to go into Lebanon very soon. Tanks and heavy armored equipment are making the move South to North. We passed several on our way to and from Tel Aviv yesterday. Our usually upbeat doctors are sullen and serious. We tried to stay upbeat and happy during our respective appointments, but everyone knows someone who has fallen or has a loved one in the military. My doctor told John, “I’m not in a good mood anymore. The world is being run by crazy people and we are all caught in the middle.”

Businesses that have tried to stay open are now shuttered due to lack of customers and due to the fact the owners/workers are engaged in military service. The antiques shop I tried to visit on the way back from Tel Aviv was closed. Our favorite restaurant in Zikron Yaakov was temporarily closed. The air conditioning guy was supposed to come to our house last week. His two sons are in reserves, so he is working alone. We hope he will show up next week.

I was hoping to sell a slew of things as well as to buy a couple items I’d seen. It was closed. Anyone need a gorgeous wrought iron 1950s patio set?

And we wait. I’ve been working on the garden, putting up summer vegetables (canning) and enjoying the summer’s bounty. I refinished a beautiful plant stand we found in the neighbor’s trash – and filled it with lovely flower pots. John and I were going to pick nectarines and peaches with a group of volunteers in the Hula Valley orchards next week, but it has become too dangerous even for them, native Israelis. I check our safe room and add more batteries and bottles of water. Last night Pikud haOreff, the Home Front Command and ZAKA search and rescue said for those who live in the North to be prepared to endure two weeks of power outages and downed communication. We know if they say two weeks, it means a lot more.

Max is having a friend from the Netherlands visit over the weekend. Brave soul. I’m getting ready for that, and we hope to be able to tour Akko on Friday and then the Sea of Galilee villages on Sunday. After that, Max goes to summer camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania as a counselor for a month. Then it’s off for a year or two in the UK for him. Several friends of ours are all planning summer vacations…. A Greek Island cruise, Barcelona, Croatia, and Viet Nam are all some of the exotic locations they will be traveling. John and I are hoping to have a two week vacay in August. We shall see if we get that far. Fingers and toes crossed. Questions: what happens to dogs in the kennel if there is a full on war? Will we be able to leave or return? Should we have our construction/home repair done now or wait until all of this is over? Why did I give away our two portable generators in California and why didn’t we order another one when we came? Do we need gas masks?

So to keep the mind occupied, I make lists. Lists of items to send the grandkids. Lists of items to get at the store. Recipes. Menus. Things we need to get done. Places I want to visit…. And we pray a lot. Always a muttered prayer under every breath. I try to be brave. I am not afraid, just anxious because I can’t predict the future and exactly how and when things will play out and with what intensity. Everyone is that way these days. The hospitals up here have moved their operations (literally) underground just to be safe. Underground parking has been sterilized and turned into useable medical space and hospital rooms.

Back to Gaza updates: the Givati and Golani Brigades have destroyed terrorist training outposts in Rafah; investigated and destroyed miles of underground tunnels; found weapons, cash and intelligence documents; and neutralized or arrested hundreds of terrorists. The Hamas soldiers have been badly routed and have now gone underground as civilians. They are resorting to urban guerilla warfare and are blending in with the citizenry. Film has been leaked out of “civilians” firing rockets from makeshift rocket launchers inside tents in the middle of a humanitarian protected area.

Sweet little Kfir Bibas looks just like our grandson

The baby, Kfar Bibas, who was taken captive along with his parents and four year old brother has now spent 264 days in captivity. He was 262 days old when he was taken. So over half of his life is as a hostage. Every time I see a red headed child, I think of those two Bibas kids. Is the world even aware? Footage was released yesterday of Hirsh Pollan-Goldberg, the 23 year old American, being forced into the back of a pickup truck, hand blown completely off. He and three others were taken from the Nova Music Festival. Are they still alive? We still have 120 people still being held captive. Does the world know or care?

We look forward to company. We look onward to visits with friends. Good health results from tests. Captives being found. Summer weddings. And hopefully, an end-of-summer vacation. Praying for peace….

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June 20, 2024

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War Update. Day 258. 20 June, 2024.

It’s getting more and more difficult to know what to believe and to distinguish truth from propaganda. There is so much news happening at such a rapid pace and more than a little is artificially generated and artfully crafted. I was going to write a piece yesterday, but found out much of it was disinformation. I strive for accuracy above all. Sometimes I do not always get it right and must make corrections.

The tensions between the Biden Administration and Israel (Netanyahu) have been rising to say the least. The US State Department and Pentagon have been very unclear in its messaging to Israel. They have said Israel has a right to defend itself, yet they have delayed the shipment of arms that were signed and paid for in past administrations. The US has applauded and committed to Israel’s fight against evil and terrorism, yet has dictated where, when and under what strident conditions the fighting should occur (or should be halted altogether).

The international communities led by the US, have insisted that more humanitarian aid be sent into Gaza, despite the fact that over 300 shipments arrive daily. So far, there has been evidence of an ample food supply for the Palestinians in Gaza. It is usually hijacked by Hamas and by opportunists, and sold at high prices in the public market. Those that suffer are the poor. Unused food has been photographed rotting in garbage dumps.

The States (Pentagon) spent $320 million (initially estimated to cost $234 million) on a docking pier for aid shipments. They containers, inspected by Israel in Cyprus, would be shipped to Israel, then unloaded onto barges in the Mediterranean and floated to the pier. Americans would not technically set foot on Gaza soil. Despite numerous technical, security and logistical problems, the project was begun. Construction had to be completed by UK forces as Hamas kept attacking the U.S. engineers trying to put the pier together. After its completion, the humanitarian aid docking station lasted a mere ten days before it broke apart and washed ashore further up the coast of Israel in high seas. Tens of thousands of dollars were paid to Israel to have it fixed, but in the long run, it was declared inoperable. At additional taxpayer dollars, it is set to be dismantled by early July. Critics are saying it was erected for political purposes rather than to serve anyone through humanitarian purposes.

The US has continually pressured Israel not to enter Rafah, the last Hamas stronghold in Gaza. After many pauses, and 17 failed hostage release negotiations- all rejected by Hamas leadership, the fighting to eradicate terror cells, destroy the underground tunnel system, which is everywhere, and try to rescue the captives, has continued. Hostages serving as human shields for Hamas operatives are surmised to have been smuggled via tunnel into Egypt. No one knows for sure, and there have been several misleading reports. Tunnels and arms caches as well as what has totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars have been found in almost every home in Rafah.

On the Northern front, Hizbulla has dramatically escalated the risk of an all out war. So far over 5000 missiles and hundreds of suicide drones have been launched by them from Lebanon since 10 October. The UN has not prevented the Iranian proxies from crossing south of the Litani River as per Resolution 1701 which ended the Second Lebanon War. They were supposed to stay 18 miles from the border with Israel. They are right up against the wall, within their striking distance. The northern villages and kibbutzim have sustained very heavy damage. The IDF has been responding tit-for-tat to avoid opening another front in all out war.

On Wednesday, Nasrallah in his Lebanese hide out, released a shocking video supposedly taken by drone and satellite footage. It clearly shows marked targets throughout the north of Israel to below Haifa: military bases and weapons storage facilities, hospitals, shopping centers, high rise apartment complexes and neighborhoods. It is more than frightening, and now many people are understandably on edge. Public bomb shelters, erected by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, have been set up on many street corners in commercial areas.

Whether the video is all a propaganda stunt remains to be seen. The level of detail in the video is alarming, to say the least. The Biden administration has sent diplomats to both Lebanon and an Israel to attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Last weekend Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz, stated the “Final plans have been agreed upon. We are getting very close to the moment of deciding to change the rules of the game against Hizbulla and Lebanon. In an all out war, Hizbulla will be destroyed no Lebanon severely beaten.”

On the other hand, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has stockpiled enriched uranium over 30 times the agreed upon limit during the Biden term of office. Now, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has alleged that Israel has begun upgrading its Dimona Nuclear facility. They believe Israel is trying to enhance its navy to have its subs nuclear capable as well as to increase its overall nuclear capabilities. Thing seem to be heating up.

As of this morning, the Biden Administration has reversed its original negation of arms shipments to Israel. Sunday night, Netanyahu released a statement in English directed at the White House. “ Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job a lot faster.” A ship carrying critical ammunition left the States bound for the Middle East today.

There are many in this country who support Netanyahu and the current government. Since 8 October, our national slogan has been “Together we win: united in victory.” However, as time passes and the war drags on with its continual stops and starts, there is growing opposition. Benny Gantz, of the opposing party has left the War Cabinet. Prime Minister Netanyahu is continuing without him.

Over the past couple weeks, demonstrations against the current government have resumed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. One group demands the government have the captives released at any cost, including a permanent ceasefire. In Jerusalem, Saturday night, the protests got violent, Hundreds of protestors clashed with its police. They were allowed to assemble peaceably in front of Knesset, but decided to move through barricades towards the home of the Prime Minister. Fires were set in the road. Police declared the scene an illegal riot and used crowd control (water hoses and arrests) to disperse the angry crowd. Nine were arrested for assaulting police. Freedom of expression is allowed, but once the law is broken, measures are quickly taken to restore order. The protestors declared Netanyahu “Guilty!” And “a dictator.” They call for his immediate resignation.

People in the north are feeling abandoned by the government. They have been forced out of their homes for almost nine months. They have lost jobs and are fighting to stay afloat and to keep their families intact. The war still rages against Hizbulla and the other Iranian proxies and there seems no end in sight. Reservists are still on duty at the several after many months with only small breaks for leave. Israel is not only vigilant on the Lebanese border, but also in the Golan Heights, in Eilat to the South (Houthi rebels), on the Gaza border and the border with Egypt, and internally along the borders and checkpoints of the West bank(Judaea and Samaria).

It was reported last weekend that the generals were taking orders from the Israeli Supreme Court, and not from the War Cabinet (Prime Minister, Misister of Defense, Chief of Staff of IDF and others). Supposedly the court was going beyond their bounds in legislating pauses in the fighting in order for more aid to get into Gaza and for peace negotiations to take place. Whether this is true or propaganda, I still do not know. I have seen and heard reliable evidence from both sides.

However, this morning, the Prime Minister issued a statement urging his coalition to focus on the task at hand. “We are confronting multiple challenges and must make difficult decisions. Therefore, I call on all coalition partners to stay focused and rise to the occasion.This is not a time for petty politics or legislation that jeopardizes the coalition, which is striving for victory over our enemies. Our priorities must be clear: defeating Hamas, securing the release of all the hostages, and ensuring the safe return of our residents in the north and south. Therefore, I demand that everyone set aside other considerations and interests. Unite behind our fighters with a singular focus on our mission.”

As usual, we remain tense. The situation can boil over at any minute. We know that after Gaza is secured and Hamas’ capacities for terror are eliminated, Hizbulla must be dealt with. War seems not only likely, but imminent. I pray it doesn’t come to that…

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June 17, 2024

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The Beat Goes On Day 255

It was an unusually quiet weekend after expecting the absolute worst. We were ready to make the move into the bomb shelter if need be, but, thankfully, nothing, nada, bupkess, zoltz. Which is good. Until we got the news at the end of the Shabbat that 11 of our IDF soldiers had been killed. One had succumbed to past wounds received a couple weeks ago. The others were in a tank that was waylaid by a remote-controlled roadside bomb.

Wassim Mahmoud was another downed Druze soldier. His community was on the next ridge over from us. The tank commander, 47 year old Elon Wais, was the father of three, a high school teacher. Stanislav Kostrov, 19, was recently here from Russia. Altogether they left behind 7 children. Two of the wives are pregnant. In Israel we don’t celebrate martyrs. We neither hand sweets when the enemy is struck down nor do we party when our own are cut short. Life is valued highly, so for us, it is a heavy, heavy day of mourning with flags at half mast again.

In good news, Maya Regev, 21, who had been captured from the Nova Music Festival on October 7 with her brother Itai, 18, was released from the hospital. On the morning she was taken, Maya was shot very badly in both legs and foot. She was taken alive to the home of a UNRWA doctor, a field veterinarian, who sewed her foot back onto her ankle….at a most unnatural angle. After her release back to Israel in the December hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Maya and Itai were both hospitalized at Soroka Medical Center. Maya underwent several reconstructive surgeries, and had to wear a brace on her leg for five months. She was released to relatives over Shabbat, and will have to continue intensive physical therapy for quite some time. But she is back. She is in good spirits.

Babies are being born in Israel and so many women we know are pregnant. There is expected to be a huge baby boom from next month through the end of the year. Maternity wards and midwives are already gearing up for the delivery deluge. A huge Mazal Tov goes out to Yuval Shani, the widow of Cptn. Gabriel Shani, 28, who fell in Gaza 4 months ago. She is journeying alone in life now without her partner, as so many war widows are here. Her little baby, their third child, was born last week.

Dolev and Sigal had been best friends from childhood. They were inseparable growing up in the Nir Oz Kibbutz. It was only natural that after their army service, they would get married and start a family back in Nir Oz. On the morning of 7/10, Dolev told his wife to get in the safe room with their three children. He went out to defend the kibbutz. For some reason, terrorists did not enter their home that morning. But Dolev never returned. It was presumed he was taken hostage into Gaza. Nine days later, their fourth child, Dor Yehud, was born to Sigal.

Sigal wrote a song, “Air to Breathe,” hoping against hope that Dolev would hear it while in captivity. It soon turned out to be a song in his memory, because just before its release, Dolev’s body was found, and he was buried in Nir Oz.

In other news, on a brighter, human interest note, Shemesh Ezer is 65 years old. This paratrooper has never nice missed a day of his reserve duty. He is still in the elite 551 Commando Brigade. Shemesh inspires the young guys and they him. This entire nation is made up of unsung heroes who risk their lives daily to insure the existence of the Jewish homeland.

Some time back, I wrote of the young family who was burned when a terrorist threw a grenade into their home and then the house was set on fire. Ariel and Ellay’s Golan were huddled in their safe room with their 18 month old daughter. Ariel held the door of their shelter closed as long as possible, until they began to suffocate from smoke inhalation. They managed to escape out the window through the flames with their baby, running to a tractor and hiding there for hours in a wheat field. A group of soldiers found them and had them helicoptered to Sheba Hospital. Ellay lost consciousness only after giving first responders instructions on how to care for the nursing baby.

Ellay Golan spend two months in a coma, having received burns to 60% of her body. Her lungs were badly damaged and she was not expected to live. Ariel was burned over 40% of his body, and little Yale suffered 30% burn coverage. They all survived, thanks be to G-d, due to an innovative treatment developed in Israel called NexoBrid. They made tremendous and remarkable recoveries. But the story does not end here.

Last week, Ellay Cohen graduated from Ben Gurion University with her Doctor of Medicine degree, her hands still in bandages.

It seems just as we get used to the craziness around us, the sand beneath our feet shifts. It seems members of the US State Department and the Biden admin are here in Israel again. Last week, Gantz of the opposition party, quit the War Cabinet. He tried to dissolve the Coalition in order to dissolve the government and call for new elections. But Netanyahu still held a majority. Now we are hearing the generals in Gaza are calling for planned pauses in the fighting to allow in even more humanitarian aid. It turns out the generals have been taking their orders from the Israeli Supreme Court. Just a couple hours ago, Netanyahu dissolved the war cabinet. We have no idea who is taking orders from whom or what it will mean.

There are many people in the international community who are calling for a complete ceasefire. That the IDF needs to pull out of Gaza completely. Then the hostages will be released. And then what? Hamas will have a chance to re-arm and then come and attack again? They have already called for numerous October 7ths. There is so much pressure. Pressure from Hizbulla in the North, a powder keg waiting to explode. The French have been in Lebanon all weekend speaking with members of the terror group and members of the government.

In order for President Biden to hold on to his presidency and win the next election, he must have something to claim: a military win; a brokered ceasefire; a peace accords. At present the administration is trying to get Saudi Arabia to sign an accord with Israel in exchange for a two state solution. Palestine and Israel peacefully coexisting side by side.

In the latest poll, which came out two weeks ago, over 73% of all Palestinians in the West Bank (Judaea and Samaria) are siding with Hamas. Fatah, or the Palestinian Authority, is losing their power and their popularity among the people. Most Palestinians polled want a one-state, Islamic ruled free Palestine, which would be Jew free, judenrein. There seems no easy fix at this time. We have found out that the majority of Gazans were complicit with Hamas. Whether too afraid to go against them or not, many were complicit in fighting, hiding arms in their homes, letting their homes be used for terror tunnels, and educating their children to hate Israel and kill Jews.

If you look at who is saying what in the Western nations, watch the pro-Palestinians. They are not a peaceful bunch. They are now vandalizing and actively threatening not only Jewish people, but those in power who go against them (chancellor of UCLA, Brooklyn Museum admins, even President Biden). Their threats have teeth. Their goal is the Islamization of Europe and the US and Canada.

I had not intended to rant this way. We had guests over for lunch and got involved in some heated talk about current events. In a nutshell, most of Israel, despite their like or dislike for Netanyahu, see that there is a job that needs to be finished. And that is to fight evil. To completely disarm Hamas. To somehow, reshape their ideology. To get our hostages back, both alive and dead… by any means necessary. We cannot afford these pauses. We cannot afford to stop the war effort. We must win this war or our enemies will prey upon perceived weakness.

Signing off for now as our kids are all making their belated dad’s day FaceTime calls. Hopefully tomorrow will bring better news.

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twdunbar2015

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June 14, 2024

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Golan Heights, Holidays & Feasts, Israel Gaza war, israel news, israel. nature. spring. galilee., israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Politics, War stories

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It’s Getting Hot in Here!

Always such drama. And the temps keep rising. We found out just before we went to Jerusalem on Monday that our “host” was unaware of our even being invited – it was a third party invite – so we had to scramble like the dickens to find anything available on the evening and day of a major holiday. Crazy, no? Pressure, no? Luckily, there were none of the usual tens of thousands of tourists that flood the city during a holy time, and we managed to find a gorgeous room right at the Old City Walls for an incredibly cheap price.

I was smart enough to bring our own food from home as EVERYTHING closes around 2pm from markets to transportation on the evening of a holiday or Sabbath. And to bring my all-white clothes, as is customary to wear on Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks or the Giving of the 10 Commandments to Moses at Mt. Sinai.

The next day we finally met up with our friends at the Hurvah Synagogue to hear the Torah reading of the Ten Commandments. Two of the men and their wives had been up all night studying the book of Ruth, the Torah and other subjects. This is traditional for Shavuot. Something I used to do a few years ago – I am now sorry I didn’t attend the women’s study sessions. But as young as they were, they were pretty exhausted when we met.

Shavuot marks the birth and the death of King David. I did not realize this. So we went to David’s tomb, which was pretty packed. The Upper Room where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper is located in the same building just above David. I also had not realized this. It was locked, but the roof access was open, so we went up there to pray and to chat. There were a few people already up there, including a group from Hong Kong, of all places. So a lady we spoke with was kind enough to take a photo of us.

Max came home for the day to babysit our doggie (a spoiled rotten long-haired dachshund, Haggis). Usually I don’t answer my phone on Shabbat or holidays, but the buzzing wouldn’t stop and was driving me nuts. By 9:30 I must have gotten more than 50 buzzes, so I finally checked, just to see if Max needed something, or if, G-d forbid, there was another attack.

It turns out the IDF hit a really high level Hizbulla commander on Sunday night. This combined with the hostage rescue in Gaza and Hizbulla’s solidarity with Hamas, and they were angry, angry, angry. And wanted to teach us a lesson. From Tuesday night through Wednesday there were over 200 rockets/missiles directed at the Upper and Lower Galilee and the Golan Heights. Our friends’ daughter served as an IDF nurse at the hospital in Tsfat. When David, Jocelyn’s dad, picked her up at 9, they were dodging shrapnel the whole way home. Our friends in Korazin, in Migdal, in Tiberias spent most of the morning in their bomb shelters. All the people in the Sea of Galilee hotels who’ve been displaced by the war since October were even more traumatized. Katsrin and other locations in the Golan received direct hits as did Metulla and Kiryat Shmona. Fires caused by incendiary carrying drones from Lebanon were burning in many places. Even towns far south like Cana, Tura’an, Mughar (all Muslim), Tavor (as in Mt Tabor), and the Jezreel Valley were hit.

Jocelyn shot this as her dad drove dodging shrapnel

So it’s been pretty incessant for the last two days. The jets and copters are once again nonstop strafing the skies here – all day and all night. Don’t know if it’s recon, retaliatory or just to let Hizbulla and proxies know we’re still in the game? And the outdoor temps are reaching a sizzling 99*/39* throughout the weekend. I feel so badly for the firefighters and the troops out there in all their protective gear. And we just heard the rumor that the IDF got Nasralla’s brother (head of Hizbulla) in an air strike in Lebanon early this morning. So we expect “the temperatures to climb” even higher this weekend.

I went out early this morning to do some grocery shopping. Every morning I recite Psalm 121 It’s become one of my favorites (YouTube Omer Adam singing ‘Esa Einai,’ the Psalm in Hebrew!!!). “I lift my eyes to the mountains, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the L-rd…” So these days as we’re driving I lift my eyes continually to the next mountain ridge over. Except I’m looking for drones and missiles and interceptions. And trying to figure out where the next community shelter is. The International Council of Christians and Jews has placed 24person concrete bunkers on every other corner. Thank you US givers!! It’s become an interesting life for us….but we still feel safer here than anywhere else. So far only four people have been mildly injured from shrapnel here. I think there are angels up there watching over us.

Artists decorate our bomb bunkers so they’re happier

So we are now beginning to hear ‘the rest of the story’ of how the actual rescue of the four hostages earlier this week went down. It was like a Fauda episode, only it was real life. Undercover elite Israeli spies who spoke fluent Arabic, including women disguised in burkas and hijabs, posed as wealthy Gazans, Hamas associates escaping the IDF in Rafiah, rented a house in the Nuseirat neighborhood. They were there to gather intelligence, to confirm suspicions that Noa Argamani was being held in the vicinity. Super-cool, nu?

They confirmed not only Noa, but the three men down the street being held by the journalist. The spies vacated in undercover cars and on foot on 5 June, and Yamam elite began the planning and training that night. The mission was executed the next morning. The captives were all safely rescued, but complications arose due to heavy fire from the Hamas terrorists embedded in the neighborhood. It seemed every home in the area had someone with a gun, an RPG or grenade. Cmdr. Arnon Zamora, 36, fathers of 2, was killed in the melee. Gaza Health Ministry first said 197, then amended to 436, later revised down to 274 innocent Palestinian civilians were killed. There was no specification of how many of these innocents were actually terrorists.

It’s getting late and I must start food prep and last minute cleaning before Shabbat, but let me leave you with a few bits from the North this morning. All non-necessary clubs, activities, shops, classes, religious or other are canceled in Tsfat, Ma’alot, Nahariyya, Rosh Pina, Sea of Galilee communities (see map). Sirens have sounded in Northern towns all day, although now it seems quiet. The smoke makes me feel like I’m back in Southern California during brushfires season. We are thoroughly prepared and as the Brits say, we ‘keep calm and carry on.’ Like, what else can one do? We had volunteered to go cherry picking in the Golan with friends next week, it now, it looks like that will be canceled. Again, this harvest season, much of the produce is going unpicked. Hopefully soon-

Incoming Hizbulla missiles above Tsfat bus station this morning

In the meantime, I wish us all a very peaceful and very quiet, and very relaxing weekend. Until next week💙🇮🇱💪🏼🙏🏻🩵 אם ישראל חי The people of Israel live.

Israel Dreams

"When G-d will return the captivity of Zion, we will be like dreamers. Then our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with glad song." Psalm 126

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It’s Getting Hot in Here!

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