Here we are - five weeks into this challenging period in which we find ourselves. I’m back at work, in person, full schedule. After a stretch of limited productivity, I’ve returned to preparing meals and doing laundry. I even started up my exercise regimen once again.
But while routine activities fill the day, lingering questions fill the air. What will today bring? Will alarms sound around the country? Will rockets cause injury or damage? Will we hear the boom of the interceptions of rockets from not-so-distant areas while sitting in our kitchen? Will we be attacked in the north? South? Shomron? Will our heroic chayalim remain safe and be successful? I’m learning to function while lugging around a heavy weight of worry.
Nothing is surprising anymore. Things that once would have caused us to take a second glance are now just par for the course. When recently visiting relatives in a yishuv not far from where we live, we were greeted at the gate by women wearing security vests. Until now, it was felt that the gate provided enough protection. But now, the residents take shifts guarding the gate. Yes, this is our current reality.
Physical safety is now being emphasized. Residents of remote yishuvim are upgrading their security systems. A proliferation of self-defense classes focusing on martial arts teach participants to use household items as weapons. Counter-terrorism instructors teach how to prepare for personal, family, and community safety. During a recent phone conversation, a relative told me not to worry if I heard shooting sounds in the background as we spoke. She was calling from the car, and the sounds were fake. She was taking a class that simulated gunshots, rock throwing, and road blockages, designed to help people learn how to drive a vehicle under fire. At one time, I might have snickered at the thought of using household items as weapons or laughed at someone dodging paintball “bullets” in a car. But I’m not laughing now. It makes perfect sense.
Classes have always been offered to help address issues of mental health, but such classes are now offered constantly to help people deal with the anxiety that accompanies war. Workshops about how to build resilience during traumatic times are available to teens and adults. Some classes are offered to the general population, while others are geared toward a more specific crowd (wives and mothers of soldiers, parents, educators, and therapists). Dr. Aliza Bloch, mayor of Beit Shemesh, visits the homes of the families of chayalim, offering her support at this stressful time.
The communal support we have received as parents of a soldier fighting in the war against Hamas has been both heartwarming and comforting. Perks such as cakes, candy platters, and meatballs and spaghetti are often a welcome sight at our door. Yesterday, I received a huge gift bag from my office that, among other things, included a soft personalized fleece blanket. Along with the logo of the organization that was printed on the blanket was the message that the organization hugs the families that are enlisted. I was touched, especially since I haven’t been at my best at work lately.
I just joined a WhatsApp group called “Support Group for Parents of our Beloved and Brave Chayalim Sons and Daughters,” created to provide chizuk as well as a safe space for parents of chayalim to share what is on their minds concerning the realities of having children on the frontline. I believe it will be helpful to receive support from others in the same situation.
Despite the current tense situation here in Israel, 625 immigrants from 33 countries made Aliyah between the first day of the war on October 7 through October 30. I believe these people are onto something. Even though we are currently under attack, B’ezrat Hashem we’ll get through this. We are blessed with a people that come together when the going gets tough. My daughter-in-law’s brother was called to the Gaza Envelope on Simchas Torah to fight the terrorists that entered that area in the morning. He fought for 60 hours straight! Sixty hours! I have no idea how that is even possible. After the 60-hour mission was concluded, his commander was informed that his wife had given birth a day earlier! Such mesirus nefesh!
Rav Doron Perez, executive chairman of the Mizrachi movement, is the father of two sons who fought against Hamas on the first day of the war. One son was shot in the leg, and the other is among the hostages being held in Gaza. In an extraordinary display of strength, Rav Perez and his wife married off their wounded son at a time when their other son was considered missing. It was only after the wedding that they realized that their son was being held captive. Rav Perez acknowledges that this is a difficult time for his family and for our nation. Yet, he views it as a z’chus to live in Israel and be part of this historical period. It is a z’chus to live in an independent Jewish state as part of our people who are finally united. The chayalim who are fighting have a z’chus to defend our citizens and our land. Even with all that’s going on right now, there’s still no place I would rather be.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
By Suzie Steinberg
