I read this with tears in my eyes. The courage, strength of spirit, and commitment to their cause is astounding. What a blessing . You opened my eyes and my entire being to a reality I never even imagined. Thank you for the awakening. Betty Anne
I was one of the 10 people who stayed a few days after Jill took her group out and my husband Adam is one of the two who stayed. Adam is still in Israel. We speak daily.
One thing that does not come across in the article is how incredibly calm and professional Jill and the Federation staff acted at all times. Jill is being modest in her account of the situation. As a Federation trip participant I can say that I had a Fast Pass, E Ticket, whatever you want to call it, it was a quick and speedy exit out of a difficult situation. If it were not for the Jewish Federation, Jill, and the other staff members, we would have been in Israel for a much longer, and more stressful wait. Americans were not given any specific help until days later. Thanks to Jill and the other staff members, not only did I have a safe and speedy exit, I also received a brief visit to Athens Greece which I loved!
Read the David Boies opinion in the WSJ. Boeis is one of the most respected lawyers in the US. He writes from the perspective of a US citizen who strongly disagrees with so much of what Trump says and does, but argues that it's important for people who hate Trump to support him in his attempt to neutralize Iran's consistent aggression toward Israel over the past 40 years. That approach is a difficult adjustment for those of us who have a visceral negative reaction to our current President. In the meantime, Netanyahu must be stopped from supporting ethnic cleansing in the West Bank!
Hopefully putting Iran and the terrorist organizations in their place will give the people of Iran and the people of the region some relief...and hope. It's been a long time coming.
Wow. You can feel her uncertainty in your words---and as we know, for most people, uncertainty causes stress, which leads to fear. Especially when you think you might die. I have an acquaintance who is visiting his daughter. Gilead Mataar. He is doing Yelp-like reviews of bomb shelters. Let's hope the situation in Iran is short and the Middle East becomes safe. I was shocked the Cuban communist government fell. We might see 127MM people get freedom in at least three countries, and Israel will be able to be less worried about being attacked 24/7.
As someone living in the safety of the US it never ceases to amaze me how folks living in war zones can learn to go about their daily affairs as if their lives could not be ended in a moment by a missile or bomb. Even more amazing to me is how you could get used to responding to sirens and moving to shelters as an almost daily occurrence. As always a very good piece of writing.
Thank you, Roy. Todah Rabbah. Pray for victory so peace can come.
Prayers to all, great writing Roy. I was at a game at LECOM in Bradenton yesterday, thinking of you and your Pirates mates.
I read this with tears in my eyes. The courage, strength of spirit, and commitment to their cause is astounding. What a blessing . You opened my eyes and my entire being to a reality I never even imagined. Thank you for the awakening. Betty Anne
Timing is everything. Thanks for the happy ending.
I was one of the 10 people who stayed a few days after Jill took her group out and my husband Adam is one of the two who stayed. Adam is still in Israel. We speak daily.
One thing that does not come across in the article is how incredibly calm and professional Jill and the Federation staff acted at all times. Jill is being modest in her account of the situation. As a Federation trip participant I can say that I had a Fast Pass, E Ticket, whatever you want to call it, it was a quick and speedy exit out of a difficult situation. If it were not for the Jewish Federation, Jill, and the other staff members, we would have been in Israel for a much longer, and more stressful wait. Americans were not given any specific help until days later. Thanks to Jill and the other staff members, not only did I have a safe and speedy exit, I also received a brief visit to Athens Greece which I loved!
Wow Deb that is amazing! So glad you are back and wishing the best for your husband. Thanks for writing.
Am Yisrael Chai
Read the David Boies opinion in the WSJ. Boeis is one of the most respected lawyers in the US. He writes from the perspective of a US citizen who strongly disagrees with so much of what Trump says and does, but argues that it's important for people who hate Trump to support him in his attempt to neutralize Iran's consistent aggression toward Israel over the past 40 years. That approach is a difficult adjustment for those of us who have a visceral negative reaction to our current President. In the meantime, Netanyahu must be stopped from supporting ethnic cleansing in the West Bank!
Oh my. God Bless them and God Bless Jill.
I support Israel…stronger than hate…
Hopefully putting Iran and the terrorist organizations in their place will give the people of Iran and the people of the region some relief...and hope. It's been a long time coming.
Powerful personal perspective, thanks for this story.
Wow. You can feel her uncertainty in your words---and as we know, for most people, uncertainty causes stress, which leads to fear. Especially when you think you might die. I have an acquaintance who is visiting his daughter. Gilead Mataar. He is doing Yelp-like reviews of bomb shelters. Let's hope the situation in Iran is short and the Middle East becomes safe. I was shocked the Cuban communist government fell. We might see 127MM people get freedom in at least three countries, and Israel will be able to be less worried about being attacked 24/7.
Amen, Jeff.
Very interesting story Roy. How people got out once the bombing started. Thanks for enlightening me on the travels in Israel at this time.
As someone living in the safety of the US it never ceases to amaze me how folks living in war zones can learn to go about their daily affairs as if their lives could not be ended in a moment by a missile or bomb. Even more amazing to me is how you could get used to responding to sirens and moving to shelters as an almost daily occurrence. As always a very good piece of writing.
Thanks Mike. Incredible but for part of the world it’s like going to the supermarket. Just part of daily life. Hope all is well.