A Bumpy Weekend Ahead 10/13/28
Moti (obviously) landed in Israel problem-free. The flight was uneventful, save for the fact that it was overbooked. They didn't want to turn people away, so there were more people than seats. Anyone interested in a blanket and pillow on the floor for an 11 hr flight? His first day was supposed to be agenda-free, but he spent the day sourcing and distributing gear to troops.
This is where my Moti updates end for the next 72 hours, as he and the rest of the country will likely be busy. About two hours ago, Israel told the UN that Northern Gaza needed to evacuate within 24 hrs. I fear news about the hostages, or something equally as dire, was the catalyst for them actually pursuing this course of action on Shabbat; though it would mark the one week point since the attack, nearly to the minute. I want to also note that in the 41 years since El Al's inception, this is the first time that it's ever allowed flights on Shabbat. They are hustling to bring reserves home.
The psychological warfare continues abroad with the global Jewish community. Hamas proclaimed that Friday is a global Day of Jihad. It's literally a day for worldwide Jewish slaughter, regardless of whether said Jew is religious or has ever stepped foot in Israel. I wish I'd had this intel before I found myself on a never-ending (it was 2 hrs!) school zoom, where parents and admin hashed out safety protocols. I argued that we should not cower or the terrorists would win. If they are allowed to continually disrupt our lives, then they win! Our school has phenomenal security, which is beefed up, along with additional police presence...but after this announcement about the 24 hours notice overlapping with the Day of Jihad? No, thank you. My kids are staying home. It's just too much. We have three synagogues on our block and police cars are already lining the street with flashing lights.
It's probably nothing. By lunchtime, I'll probably be annoyed that I didn't send the kids to school. I'm already upset that I let fear disrupt my schedule - as witnessed by this midnight missive - but I'm not willing to play poker with my kids' safety. And I'm mad. I'm mad that I'm doubting my words at the school meeting tonight. I'm mad that I feel like my life was hijacked by this war and I'm suddenly alone with three kids. I'm mad that I'm not remotely surprised there's another serious threat to the livelihood of the Jewish people. I'm mad that I can't get those stories about butchered babies out of my head. I'm mad about countless things. And I'm bone tired. But tomorrow, I'll turn this mad into fuel and get more done.
Am Yisrael Chai