Hello friends.  Earlier this week on Tuesday marked the beginning of what is now known as Operation Protective Edge.  This operation is controlled by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and has taken place in the Hamas-controlled region of the Gaza strip.  For the last two days, there have been constant rockets being fired from Gaza towards cities throughout Israel causing the code red sirens to sound.  On Tuesday, the sirens sounded in Jerusalem.  Given the distance between Gaza and Jerusalem, we had 90 seconds to get down to the bomb shelter.  Fortunately, everything turned out for the best in our area and no one was hurt.  When you read in the news about a rocket or missile attack, it is difficult to truly understand the severity of the event unless you experience it in person.  While it is frightening in the spur of the moment, it is important to understand that Israel has experienced events such as this in the past and is able to return to their everyday lives.

(Source: IDF Facebook)

ROCKET COUNT: Hamas terrorists in Gaza fired over 365 rockets in less than three days. That’s about one rocket every 10 minutes.  Friends and family, I’m safe here in Jerusalem, but it’s just something to think about.  How would you react?

Shalom friends!  The purpose of this post is simply more of an update into the life of Israelis and the world within I am living.  I have a few posts to share with you all, including experiences within the City of David and celebrating Shabbat in Haifa with my family, however there is some work still to be done on them.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a significant amount of violence between both Israelis and Palestinian Arabs.  Since the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers (Eyal Yifrach 19, Gilad Shaar 16, and Naftali Frenkel 16), the tensions between both peoples have increased significantly.  Without going into much detail, as you can read about in the news, a Palestinian boy was found dead in the Jerusalem Forest a few days ago.

The organizers of Onward Israel have told us not to travel to the Old City in groups or alone because the tensions are very high and is meant more as a precaution.  Additionally, over the past few days the light rail has been destroyed by Palestinians in certain areas (predominantly Arab locations).

From where I am working and living, life in Israel is safe.  I don’t feel a state of danger.  I love working for the JCCA and the fellow staff are wonderful people.  Overall, this summer I have met several incredible people and I look forward to staying in touch with them this coming fall while in Boston, MA.  Although violence has altered the ways in which many Israelis identify and view themselves, the sense of community and togetherness has allowed Israel to push forward and look towards the future.