Lessons from the Holy Land

*This post contains photographs that may be disturbing to some readers.
 

Lessons from the Holy Land

Lesson One:  Life is so valuable.  Your life is valuable and so is mine.  We need to tell each other that.  We need to say the things that are important to say.  We need to encourage others and build them up, not tear them down.  We need to speak truth.  Today may be the only day you have....what are you going to do with it?  Today is the youngest you'll ever be, how are you going to live it?  Are you going to live it for yourself only or are you going to live and love on others?  If you have a quarrel with someone, why aren't you fixing it?  Remember your life is valuable and so is theirs.  When was the last time you hugged someone and told them why they are special?

Precious Ruth!  She has blessed my life in more ways than she'll ever know!

Lesson Two:  Time is a strange thing while living during a war.  Time does not go quickly.  I almost cannot believe that only 54 days ago, Operation Protective Edge started.  It feels like 54 months. We go on with living because we have to, but the potential of death is tangible and real. It is a reality that a rocket could fall and hit me, my friends, soldiers, my house, my neighborhood or my city. Inspiration abounds when faced with the possibility of death.  It causes reflection and brings fresh revelations about what's really important.  If you have ever had a possibility of death, what inspired you?  Obviously something because you are reading these words.....Events, sirens, deaths of soldiers and civilians alike, and running to the bomb shelter change the perspective of a person.  Time affects reality in a strange way.  Time seems different.  It makes a person strong but requires surrender because of reality.  I cannot hold onto my life. I cannot hold onto time.  I just have to live each day.  I get to live this life that I have been given, no matter the circumstances.  I do not live in fear of what is next, I just live.

Lesson Three:  Rockets and sirens are really loud.  Since the beginning of the war, 4,480 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel.  That's a lot.  That's a lot of sirens.  That's a lot of explosions.  That's a lot of adrenaline. That's a lot of running.  That's a lot of running for those who are especially close to the launching sites.  The Code Red siren warning is never convenient, but is always welcomed.  I would rather; be awakened, have to hop out of the shower, lay down flat in a pile of dirt (covered with ants), run down multiple flights of stairs, jump out of the car and lay on the side of the freeway, or finish getting dressed in hyper-speed to run to shelter, than not have a siren at all!  When an explosion happens, it is one of two things. One: the Iron Dome intercepted a rocket (yea, Iron Dome!).  Two: a rocket hit the ground, buildings, or people.  Each explosion that I've heard is very different. But loud, always loud.  I have never seen a rocket in person, only the remainder of its contrails as it was flying through the sky. 

As you can see, the bomb shelter experience is an eye-opening, as well as, a mouth-opening experience.

Lesson Four:  Adoption is awesome and challenging. When moving to a new place, there are multiple “types” of adoption that take place. Adopting new culture, adopting new foods, adopting new understanding, adopting new patience, adopting new bravery, adopting new independence, adopting new friends, and adopting new family. All of these “adoptions” are/have taking/taken place in my life. While all the above types of adoptions have their importance, and even warrant their owns stories, I think the most impacting is the adoptions of new friends and family. When living in a new place, people who “adopt” you are a true blessing. There is a feeling of displacement when you enter a new land. Everything is new. This can be overwhelming. They offer you love and acceptance and they really don't have to.  They may be different than the family back “home”.  And, perhaps if I were back “home”, I wouldn't be as close to them.  But, they graciously offer a new family and share their family with you.  It's home away from home. This is a precious and unique thing. It is a intimate way to experience the new culture, new foods, new understanding, and new bravery.  Instead of being an outsider, you become a part of their family.  They introduce you and teach you about how to adopt all the newness.

 

In particular, a special type of adoption has happened because of where I'm living.  I live in close proximity from the family that I'm working with.  Each day during school, I become more bonded with the students/family and they become more bonded with me.  It is just a natural part of this strange and awesome experience I am living.  Equally, we have adopted each other.  The circumstances of living close during the war has also created a family-type bond.  No one gets to hide or be "too tough".  It is a raw experience to have to run to a bomb shelter with your sleeping clothes on or having just jumped out of the shower.  There is no judgment, we all are in it together.  We support each other. 

 

 Me and the fam.
 

Lesson Five:  Terrorism is hate.  Terrorism and its focus is to destroy.  When any person or group wants and makes it their goal to destroy another person or group, it's rooted in hate.  Think about how ugly hatred is.  I'm not talking about hating goat cheese, eggplant, folding laundry, or getting up early.  I'm talking about the hatred that drives a human to commit crimes against their own race (human!). No matter what the name of terrorism is; Hamas, ISIS, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, etc., they are driven by that type of hatred.  I have seen this hatred as I have watched Hamas use children as human shields, read decrees that call for civilians to store bombs in their homes, and seen shooting in Gaza from schools, hospitals, mosques and civilian areas.  Hamas is using valuable human life to protect their own lives, as they are trying to take other human lives.  For instance, Hamas leaders often conceal the deaths of their militants, then later reports them as civilian causalities.  This is a tactic with a specific purpose: to attract international (media) sympathy for Hamas while intensifying condemnation of Israel.  That's just a "fancy" way of hating.

I know I've stated this it in past posts but the hatred behind terrorism is not isolated.  Did you know that Columbus, Ohio has a growing population of Al-Qaeda members?  It is the home of the largest known Al-Qaeda group since 9/11.  Terrorism right under our noses, America.  But the media wants to sweep it under the carpet...why?  Several members have been imprisoned or deported.  They even had a pro-Hamas rally last week.  Terrorism isn't isolated in the Middle East.  It's on our turf.  Last week, ISIS decapitated American Journalist, James Foley.  ISIS also has Steven Sotloff and two humanitarian aid workers as hostages.  Sotloff is a Freelance Journalist that has written for Time magazine and other outlets.  ISIS has threatened to kill Sotloff next unless the U.S. military forces do what they ask.  Hatred is not isolated and its goal is poignantly focused.  It wants what is wants and will kill, steal, and destroy to get it.

Above: Steven Sotloff

 

Lesson (the most important) Six:  Don't mess with God's Holy Land.  Don't.  Just don't.  God loves this land and the people that live here.  Without a doubt, He is sheltering it.  I see His protection like a big wing.  It's like His wing is outstretched over the land, protecting it, and none can get through to harm.  Again, 4,480 rocket have been shot toward Israel over the last two months.  Unfortunately, 71 people in Israel have been killed during this time.  But the ratio of deaths to rockets can only be explained by a shielding that's bigger than the I.D.F. (Israel Defense Forces).  While I have 100% respect and honor for the soldiers defending the land, I have to give praise where praise is due. 

For example: there was this one time that a bullet hit an I.D.F. soldier.  The bullet hit his chest, but on further inspection he realized it didn't puncture his skin.  In fact, a grenade that was strapped to his chest absorbed the bullet.  The grenade didn't go off.  He is still alive.....then there was this time during the ground operation in Gaza where soldiers should've been killed but they weren't.  As a group of soldiers were just about to enter a building, they noticed a bird that was hovering near to them.  This is a strange and unnatural occurrence to have a bird hover close to humans, for an extended period, and in a war zone.  They took note.  They all stopped and watched it.  It wasn't long that they stopped, just a short hesitation to take in such a uncharacteristic sight.  Within that moment of hesitation, the building that they were supposed to enter exploded.  It was timed to explode when they entered it.  But they were ALL saved.  Oh, and then there was this other time that a missile was targeted to hit Tel-Aviv. Two attempts were made to intercept it as it sailed toward the city.  Both attempts failed.  At that moment, there were only 4 seconds before the missile was to hit.  Suddenly, there was a strong wind that came from the east.  That strong wind sent the missile into the sea.  This was an eye witness account from the Iron Dome operator.  Upon seeing this miracle, he jumped up and cried, "There is a God!".  He later testified that, “I witnessed this miracle with my own eyes. It was not told or reported to me. I saw the hand of God send that missile into the sea."   There's also this account that came from Col. Ofer Winter, commander of the Givati Infantry Brigade.  He described a mysterious fog that favorably covered he and his troops as they advanced on an enemy position in morning light, after their nighttime raid was postponed. Col. Winter labeled the covering as “clouds of glory.”.....

And then there's this:

  A rocket that LANDED ON a road in Tel Aviv.  You tell me, how does a rocket land without exploding?  In the nature of physics, by its mass and height from which it came, it should only gain velocity for impact (free lesson).  How is it possible that this rocket landed "safely", and fully intact, on the highway?

 

I could keep going. 
There are more stories, but I'm sure you get the picture (the big wing).

In a letter, Col. Ofer Winter encouraged his troops to lead the charge against an enemy that “curses, defames and abuses the God of Israel.”.  Col. Winter concluded his letter by praying that the “Lord your God go with you, to fight for you, against your enemies, and to save you.”  I stand with Colonel Winter in this declaration.  God is with Israel and fighting for Israel.  I stand for God and for Israel, His Holy Land.

"And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13, 14

 

"Now therefore, arise, go over Jordan, you and all the people, to the land which I am giving to them— Israel. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:2, 5-9 

Info found on:
http://freebeacon.com/national-security
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem

IN THE LAST 100 HOURS

The Israel Defense Forces warns of intensified operation in Gaza.

 

On August 19th, the eleventh ceasefire was broken by Hamas firing a barrage of rockets into Israel.  Hamas rejected the Egyptian truce proposal.  Senior Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said that his group would not budge from its demands. "We will not accept anything less than an end to Israel.  Anyone....must understand that our people (Hamas) will not accept anything less than this".

 

Since that day, over 450 rockets have been launched into Israel.

That is one rocket every 10 minutes.

 

Yesterday (Friday the 22nd), a 4-year-old boy named Daniel was killed by a mortar.  The fire and shrapnel from the mortar killed him.  He was playing at his home; the place where he should feel the most safe and secure.  His parents were able to save his two younger siblings but Daniel wasn't able to make it to the bomb shelter in time.  He is the first Israeli child that has been killed.  This is a great tragedy.  Daniel represents just one of the many innocent lives that have been destroyed due to terrorism.

"We wanted to protect you but even the code red siren failed to save you. You would always run first and call your little brother (to the shelter) and then in a second it ended. We don’t want to say goodbye. You are the love of my life, the perfect child, every parent’s dream: Smart, sensitive, ahead of his age group and beautiful, so beautiful."

Words by Gila, Daniel's Mother.

A huge amount of rockets have been fired at central Israel since August 19th.  Hamas claims the responsibility for the fire on central Israel.  They had been trying to hit Ben Gurion International Airport.  This is the largest airport in Israel.  It is an airport that thousands fly in and out of each day.  I live less than ten miles from that airport.

Damage done by Hamas rockets/mortars

Today (Saturday), a Senior Hamas leader admitted to kidnapping and murdering the three Israeli teens in June.  They even state that is was a "highlight" of this war and a "heroic deed that was carried out (to kidnap and kill them)". Hamas has repeatedly praised the kidnappings, but today was the first day where a member claimed responsibility. 

Yesterday (Friday), Hamas held a public execution in Gaza.  In total, 18 civilians were executed.  Allegedly, Hamas claimed that the civilians of Gaza were helping/collaborating with Israel.  The victims heads were covered, their hands tied, and were shot in front of a crowd of witnesses, in a public square.  Hundreds of men, women, and children saw as they were shot and as their blood flowed down the streets.  The threat from Hamas was this: The ruling of the revolutionary justice was handed upon them, the same punishment will be imposed soon on others.

Update: as of right now, Saturday night, four more executions have happened.

 

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This week while in Jerusalem for a "surprise date" with a friend, a Code Red Siren went off.  We were at the Tower of David Museum.  It has a virtual light and music program at night that displays the history of Jerusalem.  It's called The Night Spectacular: Sound and Light at the Citadel. Some parts are so realistic that they look like live events displayed on the Tower wall. The Night Spectacular moves from Creation to the eternal city of Jerusalem.  To end the program, the words "PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM" are lit up on the wall of the Tower.  It was very moving, given the present situation.

 

We walked through the streets of Jerusalem to get back to the vehicle we took.  It was parked in a parking garage.  It was around 11pm.   It seemed like 11pm was the time that everyone else that lives in Israel was leaving the garage, too.  We got in the car and proceeded to get in line to exit.  We waited for over 45 minutes.  During that time we only moved one car length.  Israeli's are notorious for using their car horns for just about everything and anything, so while we were sitting there, it made for some great comedy relief to hear the songs of the car horns. 

 

As we finally reached the exit of the parking garage, we could see jammed traffic outside.  We were four cars back from exiting onto the street when a strange thing happened.  People from the streets began to hastily file into the parking garage. One woman even ran to each car yelling something at all the windows.  People were leaving their cars in the road and running in.  Being inside the garage hindered our ability to hear the siren, but also protected us.  Because we were so close to the exit/opening to the garage, we got out of the car and made our way to the corner with all the other people from the parking garage, street, and cars from the road. 

Every rocket has the potential to hit the ground and take the lives of the innocent.

 

The Iron Dome intercepted the rockets.  Again, Israel and I am protected and sheltered.
 

Sunset on the way to Jerusalem

 Entrance in the Tower of David Museum

 

Looking out into Jerusalem from inside the Tower.

 

The Iron Dome
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During school this week, the student's were/are working on an essay about current events in the Middle East.  As B. was researching, she turns to me and says, "Did you know that 147 rockets have been fired since yesterday?  It's really amazing that we haven't heard a siren." We talked about that for a few minutes but then she went back to her studies. Within moments of our conversation, a siren began.  The four boys were in the pool and hopped out with record speed. We all made it down to the shelter and locked ourselves in.  The door to the shelter is very heavy and takes effort to open, close, and lock.  We waited quietly.  B. and I were sitting and the four boys were dripping water everywhere.  There were four explosions.  It was obvious they were close.  We waited and then exited.  We always look for the interception smoke and the contrails from the rockets.  This is what we saw above the house:

Pulling out my Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi moves to kill the most nasty mosquitos known to man.  They are THE WORST, especially in the bomb shelter because we can't escape them.  I'm sure it's part of their nasty plan.  They lie and wait for us in there, little suckers.  Literally.

Even as I am typing right now, a Code Red siren goes off outside and we run to the shelter....again I meet my enemy: the most nasty mosquitos known to man. 

Stats: Sara = 0 killed, Mosquitos = 2 bites to Sara's leg. Thirsty blood suckers.



#bombshelterselfie

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I am blessed to live in this country during this time.  I am thankful for what I am learning.  I see the people, the Israeli's, and am learning as I watch how they go on with life and how they love the land that is theirs.  While there is pain all around, uncertainty at every moment, the Israeli's are people whom I admire.  They are strong and they support each other. They support those who are serving to protect.  They support and grieve with those who have lost loved ones during this war. It is like one big extended family. Indeed, this is a very special place.

 

As a reminder, the State of Israel is very, very small.  In comparison, it is roughly the size of the state of  New Jersey.  Just ponder about that for a moment....New Jersey is the 4th smallest state in the US.  This land that they are protecting is precious and they know it.  Why would they want to give up, give in, or stop defending what is rightfully their property?

 

Recently, billboards have been going up all over the country.  They are thanking the soldiers for serving.  They say, "Together, we say thank you to the soldiers". 

 

The signs say: The City of David strengthens and supports the soldiers of the army and the citizens!

 

This is a rally in Jerusalem.  In Israel, during times of war, the citizens come out to show their support.   While I have missed the chance to snap a photo each time I've seen it, they even have little dancing parties on the side of the roads and in intersections!  They play traditional-style songs and anyone can join in.  A dance party that actually means something!

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While driving up north on Thursday (the 21st)  afternoon, we passes by some military vehicles. They were being hauled but it was obvious that they had just been used in the war.  They were covered with dirt and sand.  It hit a special chord in my heart to know where they had just come from.  I have seen the hand of God protect Israel in many ways and one of them is through the Israel Defense Forces.

I got an opportunity I wasn't expecting, but was hoping would happen.  During the same drive on Thursday, I pulled into a Gas Station/Rest Stop.  A number of different types of military vehicles were there, as were soldiers.  I have no idea the names of all of the different types of vehicles that were represented, but it was clear they had come from Gaza.  As I pulled in to park, across from me was a young soldier resting against the type that looks like a Hummer but without any doors.

I wanted to talk to him and thank him.  I hoped he would let me to have a picture with him as well, but I wasn't sure if it was allowed (especially since I could see into his rig and it was piled with rifles and other weapons).

His name was Netan'el (Nathaniel). I asked him what Netan'el means and he said "Given or Gift of God".  He had just come from the war in Gaza.  We talked about him and the war, but he took the time to ask me about myself and why I was here.  He was kind, polite, and genuine.  We shared some short stories and laughs.  But, all the while I kept thanking him.  He stood before me and I saw him as a "Gift of God".  He represented all the men that stood in battle to defend my life and others lives.  That is a true and selfless gift.  What I really wanted to do was give him about million hugs and kisses but I was pretty sure that would be weird.....I told him that I couldn't really thank him enough and that words are not enough.  He graciously accepted my smothering thankfulness and ended our conversation with this comment: "May God bless you, Sara.".

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The reason we were heading to northern Israel was to see Nimrod Fortress.  It is up by the border of Syria and Lebanon.  It is one of the oldest and largest fortresses that has survived since the Middle Ages.  It is impressive.  The pictures really speak for themselves:

My dear friend Olivia joined, too. She always makes the world a better and funnier place.