Wednesday, October 18, 2023


 Friday the 6th of October was my birthday. This date is not always easy for me because it is also the date when my first husband was killed in the Yom Kippur War. There were years when I ignored my birthday, but years have come when I do mention it and here in the picture is my granddaughter, some of you know her from the blog at the restaurant in Ashdod where we celebrated my birthday. In the last week, Ashdod has been bombed every day and of course you can't go to the restaurant. But on this Friday life still seemed normal. On Saturday morning that changed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  On this birthday I promised myself that this would be the year I stop being afraid. I always worry and there are too many that I fear because of them. Like driving in certain places and parking in the city. I didn't think that the next morning life would challenge me to stop being afraid.

Indeed I am very proud of myself. I'm not afraid I went to my grandchildren yesterday with sweets and food that I cooked for them. I prayed all the way that I wouldn't get hit by a missile and I did arrive safely and returned home after two hours.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Yesterday on the phone my hairdresser told me that he had no clients. I agreed with him that I would arrive this morning and hoped that this time too I would do the 14 kilometers in peace, so it was.

It is now afternoon and that is the time when the windows and the house start shaking. Biden is visiting here and it gives a little confidence that there might be someone to help in difficult times.

Thanks again to everyone who says a kind word. It helps a lot.

26 comments:

  1. You are brave to go out and reach out to others. I hope you stay safe, Yael, and this horror will be over soon.

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  2. That is a lovely photo of your granddaughter at a time of celebration. It is hard to not be afraid but it is all consuming. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences in very troubling circumstances. Stay safe.

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  3. That is a good memory to hold onto in these dark times.

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  4. I so glad to hear you ventured out to see your grandchildren. I bet they were very happy to see you, especially as you brought sweets! It must have given you joy too.
    You're living in very difficult times

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  5. My heart goes out to you Yael. Nobody should experience what you describe. Stay strong and be safe as you can. That is a lovely photo of your granddaughter enjoying a birthday meal with you.

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  6. How nice to see your granddaughter in the celebration of your birthday. Yael I have always had much respect for you for your strength and bravery. I am glad that you were able to safely visit your grandchildren. As a grandmother myself I understand the strength and love we draw from our grandchildren. I daily pray for the safety of you and your family.

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  7. You are being brave Yael and I am glad for you that you went to the grandchildren yesterday. I am just listening to the emergency meeting of the UN Council and I don't like anything of what I hear. It is all very upsetting. You are in my thoughts as always. Stay in touch and safe.

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  8. Ellen.Simone.Jayce.Linda.Susan,Bonnie and Rachel, Thank you all.

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  9. Stay safe Yael. May this awful slaughter stop soon. I grieve for each loss of life, regardless of whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.

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  10. I am very glad to hear you are safe. Much love!

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  11. Stay safe during this most horrible time. We are all thinking of you with love. Gigi

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  12. Stay safe, Yael. I understand driving in defiance of danger to live a somewhat reasonable existence. Nevertheless, be cautious.

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  13. My mother’s birthday was the same as yours- October 6th. I read your blog and cannot imagine what your life is like right now. I do hope you continue to be safe! - Jenn

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  14. You are so brave. I would not have the courage to leave my home in your situation. But I am sure your grandchildren were very happy to see you.
    You and your country are in my prayers. Stay safe!
    Hilde in Germany

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  15. It was good to see Biden with you yesterday. Also here in the UK, the Socialist leader, Starmer, gave his full support to Israel; which has not always been the case. Go with caution! x

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  16. Thanks to everyone who commented here.

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  17. I can't imagine how it must feel to worry about being hit by a missile on a simple car journey. You are coping much better than I would! So pleased that you got to see your family.
    The worldwide media are all reporting that the missile/bomb that hit the hospital was definitely not from Israel, but there was a man on talk radio this morning arguing that it was.....the presenter was getting very annoyed with him!
    Stay safe my dear.....I think of you often. X

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  18. You are very brave Yael and an inspiration to your family. Wishing you safety at all times. x

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  19. You are very strong and brave. I’m sorry that you and your family have to deal with everything that is happening right now. Sending you best wishes! Cali G

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  20. Thank you Frances, Tom, thelma, and Cli.

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  21. I admire your attempt to bring some normality to the situation. Do you knit? I find this is a very useful and soothing occupation in the worst of times.

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  22. Thanks for the advice. I wish I knew how to knit. When I was a child my mother taught me a little. I started knitting a sock for my baby brother, never managed to finish it, my brother turned 63 this year.

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  23. Stick with learning to knit.Socks are difficult to knit and especially baby ones.Start with something simple like a small scarf.Barbarax

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  24. Yes, I think I would be paralysed with fear myself. Our thoughts are with you.

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  25. This is a very poignant post. Your courage is admirable.

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