After I returned to San Francisco a full scale war has begun. Within one week of my return the Tel Dan site closed and everyone was sent home. The site was hit by a rocket but no one was hurt. The Club Hotel in Tiberias where I resided was also hit.
Many people whom I encountered since my return have asked, “Aren’t you happy you got out in time before the war?” Others who know Israel well asked, “Guess you feel you wish you could be back there to help.” Both questions reflect my feelings. Each day I have the unearned privelege of safety and a security which we take for granted. I do not have to think much about it; it is assumed. But I am glued to the news and Internet sites, following the action and analysis, and thinking of my friends, family, and the many Israelis I have just been with who are now in harms way. I wish I could do more.
In Israel when someone asks how you are, a common response is “Baruch HaShem” (blessed is the Name). Rather than “I am fine” or “Things are okay”, Baruch Hashem is both a prayer and a recognition that life is out of our control. Right now the people of Israel are united in their response to existential threat and no one knows where this war will lead. I, along with many people of good will, wish Israelis and their neighbors peace and the strength and resoluteness to help bring it about. Baruch HaShem.
You can check out photos with captions from the journey and see some of the places and people mentioned in the blog:
Photos
