By Mindy Sager Dickler
Modiin, Israel
16 October, 2023
What is that sound I hear?
Thunder? But it’s not quite the same. This sound lingers on and on. It’s slowly getting louder and louder. So disturbing to me. And after reaching the pinnacle, the sound gradually starts to fade away. I know the sound is coming from up in the sky, but the source is totally unseen. How can that be? What can this mean? Are these fighter jets circling my area, keeping us safe? Or are they preparing for a major invasion? I’ve got it! They are gifts from Hashem. That’s why they are so high I can’t even see them. Hashem has given Man the ability to fly so high, they can almost reach the heavenly throne, but then, at the right time, they shall descend upon Earth to keep us safe, a gift which has been offered to us from the One above. We are literally in God’s hands.
What is that sound I hear?
Booms! In the distance. Hopefully from the Iron Dome, successfully intercepting another weapon of destruction. My biggest fear… that the sound of the booms will grow closer. That the siren will sound. That I’ll have to enter my safe room. The room I’ve been preparing all this time with all the necessary things I might need if…
What is that sound I hear?
Scores of children at the park, playing undisturbed by the turmoil in our land. Under the watchful eyes of their Emas and Abbas, they laugh and run and act like… Children! How fortunate for them!
What is that sound I hear?
Cars on the road, up and down the streets, driving in the roundabouts, as though there is no fear in getting from one place to another. How can that be? Ah, just another example of the resilience of Israelis.
What is that sound I hear?
My favorite tunes blaring from my electronic speaker. Happy sounds. Uplifting, feel-like-I-gotta-dance tunes. Make me want to burst out in song, preserving my ever-present need to be joyful…in spite of everything going on.
What is that sound I hear?
Birds chirping? Yes, indeed. In those quiet moments, when there are no other sounds of war around us, the birds are out and singing merrily. Stop what you are doing and tune in to their happy sounds. So helpful to be reminded that these calming sounds of nature still exist.
One day soon…I hope to write…
What is that sound I hear?
The sound of peace. That Man shall know war no more. That human beings can live side by side, respecting one another. The sound of gladness. The sound of diplomatic conversations that actually lead to a better understanding between the peoples of the world. The sound of never-ending prayers of gratitude for peace everlasting.
