I wanted to write a short note and share our feelings here in Israel, now that over 550 rockets have been fired towards our cities. Just a few moments ago, the air raid sirens in Jerusalem began to ring yet again... Last night, I was in Tel Aviv when the sirens also rang and a few moments later there was a massive explosion. None of us are hurt, yet watching all the people, the elderly, sick, parents carrying their children, businessmen and students running towards the bomb shelters with thoughts that they have only a few seconds to make it, is jolting to say the least.
On the other hand, I feel great pride to see how the people of Israel continue to bond together as one and act with courage and dignity in these trying times. It is hard to fathom the strength of character it takes to go on living one's life while any second a rocket could send you and your family running for cover.
We mourn the loss of the three Israelis who paid with their lives and our deepest sympathies to their families at this terrible time. No country would tolerate a situation where 60 percent of its citizens are under constant threat of rockets exploding in their homes, schools, workplaces, playgrounds, certainly not for over a decade. Imagine terrorist missile fire on a playground in New York City, rocket fire at schools in London, mortar rounds at civilians in Paris. A reaction would be swift and hard-hitting, and rightly so.
I know I speak for all of us here in Israel when I thank all of you for standing strong with us in this difficult time. We will need your voices to ring loud and clear throughout the world as events continue to unfold.
Let's hope for more peaceful days soon.
Written November 16, 2012.