As an Israeli Shlicha, it is so important for me to always build a bridge to Israel and bring the reality in Israel as it is. You may have seen some things on the news and wondered what is really going on.
Since October 7th, there have been nonstop rocket attacks on the northern border of Israel from Hezbollah, a terrorist organization based in southern Lebanon. Seventy-five percent of the houses in my husband’s kibbutz, Manara, in the north have been ruined, and his family has been displaced for nine months now.
You can watch a video about the destruction in Kibbutz Manara here.
In response to these attacks, Israel has been conducting targeted strikes against specific individuals from Hezbollah. Monday, July 8, they targeted a former guard of the head of Hezbollah.
Tuesday, July 9, in retaliation, Hezbollah fired more than 40 rockets at the Golan Heights, where I am from. My family experienced sirens for the second time in a week, with fires from the rockets all around the hills near their moshav.
Tragically, two people from the Golan were killed during the attack.
The impact of these events is very personal. For my husband’s family and mine, what may seem like distant news events to us, means living in fear and losing their sense of security and the place they call home.
For me, being far from home during such a challenging time adds another layer of difficulty. It physically hurts. There is a lot of guilt, pain, and fear involved. But seeing and working with the community every day brings me a lot of hope and strength. I came here out of a belief in the great importance of strengthening the connection between Israel and communities around the world. Bringing Israel here—authentic stories, information, and the Israeli experience—is now more important and meaningful than ever. Today, it is clearer than ever how crucial this connection is, both for the Jewish community here and for Israelis.
This war is long, exhausting, and very painful. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, whether to me or to any Israeli you know. We still need your support, even just to feel that you care. Pray with us, stay strong and hopeful with us for the return of all hostages, and for peace and security.
Thank you for your continued support and solidarity. It means the world to us, to me, and brings a sense of comfort during these trying times.
