25 October, 2023
The war in Israel – Day 18
The first few days there was shock in the air. We might have to go in the mamad 1 at any time.
I didn’t want to leave my apartment, and the easy access to my mamad. Thank God, our city has been quiet, and I gradually developed the inner strength to…leave my apartment building. Then, to be able to go to my daughter’s home nearby. Days later, I felt strong enough to go to the mall. And days later, even to a nearby town.
What gave me that strength? Firstly, my Emunah2 in Hashem. That He would protect me, as long as I was making wise decisions. Secondly, that our city remained quiet. Thirdly, the attitude that I would show the terrorists that they can’t scare me into not living my daily life.
This is what it means to be Israeli. To have resilience. To subscribe to the belief that Ain li Eretz acheret. “I don’t have any other land besides this one.” That Am Yisrael Chai. We’ve faced our enemies in the past and came out the victor. With God’s help, so will it be this time.
How else am I demonstrating my strength?
I’ve prepared my safe room with all necessary supplies, just in case.
I’m contributing to the amazing atmosphere of chesed3 that permeates the entire country.
I’m posting pro-Zionist things on social media, knowing about the strong anti-Zionist sentiment that exists in the world.
Lastly, I showed my strength by cancelling my long-planned vacation to the U.S. In fact, had there been no war, I would be there today. But, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of patriotism, and felt there was no way I would leave at this time. This is where I need to be. This is my country and it needs me to be here. By remaining here, and living my daily life, and helping out. As a 67-year-old widowed olah chadashah4, this is my way of being “on the front line.”
Chazak Chazak5 B’yachad N’natzayach6
1 Safe room
2 Faith
3 Acts of unconditional kindness
4 New immigrant
5 Strength, strength
6 The national war slogan – We will triumph together
