Today is the 13th day of the Israeli operation in Gaza. Operation Cast Lead had not affected me much until yesterday when rockets from Lebanon hit Na-ariya, about 20 miles north of me. Before that I felt safe here. I am in the north, far away from Gaza and the rockets being sent into southern Israel on a daily basis. We even went on a trip to the Negev this week, and though I could see the military planes and helicopters flying overhead, I felt safe. Israeli's have lived with terror and war for so long that they have learned to live their lives despite the situation, and I am so amazed by them. I have felt safe because everyone around me has been relaxed and unconcerned. Everyone talks about what is going on in the south and fears for their families there, but they do not stop their lives, it doesn't affect their daily activities. Yesterday a terrorist group in Lebanon (apparently not Hezbolleh...they have more advanced, longer range weapons, and they would have sent 100 not 4) sent rockets into two towns in northern Israel. Thankfully, they were met with a swift response from the IDF. For the first time, the kibbutzniks started asking me if I knew where the bomb shelters were and what to do in case of a Siren alarm.
I was really anxious all day yesterday, because this is a situation I have never had to deal with before. As my dad said, no one is sending rockets to Burlington, not even to Woburn. But I do not want to go home. Part of this is because I honestly don't feel that I am in very much danger, especially not on the kibbutz. The northern front has been quiet until now, and the fact that Hezbolleh allowed a smaller group to send a few rockets is being generally interpreted here as a show of support and solidarity with the Palestinians, but not a real threat against the safety of those in the north of Israel. Also, here there is a government that cares about its citizens. There is a warning system in place and safe places to go in case of emergency. There is such a disproportionate number of civilian deaths because Hamas does not care about its people. The IDF calls homes before they bomb them, but that is the only warning the people get. Hamas has not installed any warning system or given the people a safe place to go. Beyond that, they hide their weapons and their terrorists in the civilian homes, deliberately making them targets. I hate war and violence in all forms, and I want peace here as much, if not more than most, but Israel is not the one blocking it. I read the papers and I get so upset about the way the world is perceiving this. People in America are chanting "Palestine from the river to the sea". I can't tell if they are just stupid and do not understand that this is a call for the destruction of the Jewish State at all costs, or if they truly want that. In either case, the anti-war people who support the palestinian people are joining a side who's solution to the conflict is the complete destruction of another country.
I am planning on leaving Israel at the beginning of April, and I am going to stay here for as much of that time as I can. I know I am not a citizen of this country, and I would never stay in any other country when it was at war, but this is not just an attack on Israel. Hamas wants the destruction of Israel becuase it is a Jewish state. I do not want to run away from an attack on the Jewish people. I am no hero, and I will probably leave as soon as I am in serious danger, but I can't leave now. Partly because I would feel like a coward and like I was running away, and partly becuase I think that if I came back to the States right now, I would end up fighting with too many people and I would just be angry and unhappy. I am very liberal, especially in terms of American social policy, and I am generally anti-war, but it has become clear to me that you cannot be completely anti-war when there are groups that want nothing more than war and destruction.
For everyone at home that I love and miss, I am totally safe, and I promise to do everything I can to stay that way. (My travel plans for after the Ulpan are very dependent on what is going on where and which areas are definately safe, I do not want to take chances). Despite everythign that is happening here, I am still having a wonderful time and I am loving my life :)
10 comments:
Dear Sarah,
I think you are a hero. Please be safe.
Love.
Dad
Hey Sarah.
Nice post. I've had similar conflict in thinking about the current situation in Gaza. I'm a peacenick as well (must have been something mom and dad put in the water). However, I'm not against war as an absolute, and I do believe there are times when military intervention is defensible.
Hamas began as a terrorist organization with the explicit intent of eradicating the Israeli state. They gained political legitimacy with the parliamentary elections in 2006 and are looked favorably upon by the Palestinians (at least in Gaza) because of their provision of social services and hospital building among other things. Yet, they are still a terrorist organization. They launched rocket attacks aimed at and killing Israeli civilians. Israel is certainly within its rights to defend itself from these attacks. I would argue that Israel is within its right to protect itself by destroying Hamas's capacity to launch violent attacks on Israelis. From what I've read, the IDF is taking steps to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties. Whether they are doing enough is debatable (but certainly they seem more concerned with civilian losses or maintaining the perception of concern than the US has been in the recent past).
However, it is hard for me to get over the gross inequity in human losses. Over 700 Palestinians have been killed while less than 20 Israelis have died at this point (civilians and IDF included). At what point does this mismatch move beyond a need to defend oneself into something less justifiable.
Be safe. Love you.
-Dave
Sarah, what a thought-provoking post! Thank you for a unique perspective that is not readily available via the U.S. mainstream media.
On this end, there seems to be a lot of support for the Palestinian people, but mixed support for Hamas and the Palestinian government. Of course, there is a lot of debate about just how far Israel can go o defend itself, as David suggested above.
However, many Jews and non-Jews support the Israeli right to defend itself on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites, which is comforting. There is also much activity from the other side. There's an interesting article on FOXNews (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,478626,00.html) about it.
In any case, be safe over there. Find out where all the shelters are, escape routes, etc. As we used to stay in the Army, "Stay alert, stay alive."
Cousin Paul
Dear Sarah,
This time will have most certainly changed you for life. And it has clearly changed you for the better. Continue to enjoy the time you have left in Israel. I trust in your judgment and believe in your ability to make the right decisions.
Stay safe.
Love Uncle Howard
Hey Sarah,
Alan G. here. I finally got your blog site from your Dad. I've just read this most recent post amd can't wait to read the others.
It must be fascinating and scary at the same time being in Israel during this conflict. Be safe and try not to have a false sense of security.
The world reporting of the conflct may not be as skewed as you might think. While the number of deaths is not proportionate, most reports continue to reiterate the fact that Israel is in Gaza to stop the tossing of bombs from Gaza by Hamas into Israel.
People have to continue to realize that Hamas is a terrorist organization even though accepted by the Palestinians (in Gaza) as their ruling authority. If Al Queda were in Mexico tossing bombs at the US, most people in the US would not have a problem with US retaliation.
Enough politics...Have a great time while visiting in Israel and enjoying your roots, but be safe with an eye to the sky.
Alan Goldstein
Sorry I got all riled up, you can delete that if you want. It's just that when you say "anti-war people who support the palestinian people are..." you're accusing a lot of people including me of wanting the destruction of Israel. And that's just so far from the truth, I had to say something.
Hi Sarah!
I'm glad that despite the recent events, you are still able to have fun and enjoy your time in Israel. What a unique opportunity to learn about and experience (though thankfully not too closely) these events (and life in general) through a non-US perspective.
I miss you! And I second everyone's wishes for your safety.
Love, Carrie
Sarah,
I have enjoyed following along with your adventures. It is a lazy saturday here in MA and I wanted to let you know we were thinking about you. Ellen and I are looking forward to your return and to hear about your travels in person. See you when you return. Love,
Uncle Milt and Aunt Ellen
Post a Comment