Digital Byte 27: On Israel's Resilience: A Personal Perspective
October 11th, 2023
Trigger Warning: This newsletter contains mentions of violence and sexual assault. Please engage in self-care as you read this newsletter.
Amidst the recent events in Israel, a touching story comes to mind, symbolizing the true spirit of resilience - the town of Sderot. While studying in Israel in 2014 I visited this city and met the locals. Its story struck me deeply and has stayed with me ever since.
Situated near the Gaza border, Sderot has endured years of conflict, its residents persevering through the harrowing 12-second countdown of rocket attacks. Bomb shelters are an integral part of daily life, as schools, homes, and even playgrounds double as safe havens. Within this 12-second timeframe, Sderot faces a high level of targeting due to its proximity to Gaza. I was 17 when I visited and for the life of me could not understand how people were able to live their entire lives there. Throughout my visit, I searched for bomb shelters at every turn, just in case I needed to seek shelter. Our group was prepped for what to do in case our bus was targeted while we were on the road. Just weeks before I was in Sderot, Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel. In Tel Aviv, I had a minute and 30 seconds to seek shelter, but here in Sderot, we only had 12 seconds. The photo at the top of this newsletter is one I took of a Sderot playground- the play area doubles as a bomb shelter.
I want to remind everyone reading this that this conflict is not new. During my time living there in 2014, there was a 50-day conflict. There were 4,700 missiles, rockets, and mortars fired by Hamas and other affiliated terrorist organizations from Gaza into Israeli cities and towns. Over the years, thousands of innocent Israelis and Palestinians have been caught in the crossfire of a terrorist regime that will stop at nothing to kill each and every Israeli and Jew around the world- even if it means the deaths of innocent Palestinians.
Sderot's history stands as a testament to their unwavering resilience. The people of Sderot refuse to succumb to fear. They stare adversity in its face, finding strength in unity and determination. In the midst of blaring sirens and the need for constant shelter, they exhibit extraordinary courage and resilience, demonstrating that even in the darkest moments, hope can flourish.
Unfortunately, Sderot was one of the towns hit the hardest this past Saturday with many citizens murdered, raped, or kidnapped. But the people of Sderot are strong. No one should have to endure this breach of human rights. While they should never have to go through what they did, there have been beams of resilience, strength, and light even in the darkest times.
As I stand in solidarity with Israel, I am inspired by countless stories of resilience across the nation. The acts of selflessness and bravery witnessed are a source of immense pride. As there is an urgent need for blood, 1,500 people of all ages are rallying together, waiting patiently in blood donation lines that stretch over half a kilometer.
My Italian friend found himself stuck in the middle of this war all alone. My friends there, whom I introduced him to months prior, reached out to check on him long before the rest of the world knew what was happening. With the help of the Italian embassy, the Israeli police personally escorted him to the airport this Monday so that he could be safe. While my friend might have been in Israel alone, he had the support of many strangers guiding him to safety.
The young generation fights relentlessly to protect not only their own lives but the lives of their friends and families, many standing up when being called from the reserves, many volunteering to carry the burden of fighting terrorists.
Heroes have emerged, risking everything, to save others from harm.
I have seen Israelis who were outside of Israel during this time have shown their resilience by doing everything they can to get back to the country to be with family and support their country. Imagine, showing so much strength that you’d want to enter into conflict instead of flee it.
Or you can look at the story of Bruna Valeanu, a Brazilian-Israeli student who was brutally murdered at the Re’im music festival. Back in Israel, she left behind only her mother and sister, so the family asked for strangers to attend the funeral to ensure they had a minyan (a group of at least 10 men required for Jewish funerals and other religious ceremonies). Over 10,000 Israelis showed up, even in an active war zone. Even as missiles are still firing into Israel, people continue to come out of their homes to show up for the community.
In the face of adversity, despair is met with equal measures of pride and resilience. Throughout Israel, stories of unity and hope shine brightly amidst the darkness. Neighbors become vigilant in checking on one another, communities rally together to provide unwavering support, and small acts of kindness pave the way for a brighter future.
It is essential to recognize and mourn the suffering caused by these attacks on innocent Palestinians. Just as the government of America doesn’t stand for all Americans, neither does Hamas for the people of Palestine, nor the government of Israel for Israelis. In Palestine, entire families are being wiped out by missiles. According to the Palestinian authorities, over 260 Palestinian children have been killed since Saturday. Homes and refugee camps are completely destroyed. Food, water, fuel, electricity, and other necessities are blocked from entering the Gaza Strip. Not to mention the emotional trauma of seeing death right in front of their eyes. In pursuit of a lasting resolution to this protracted conflict, I place my hopes on the collective resilience of Israelis and Palestinians, both of whom have fallen victim to the terrorism orchestrated by Hamas. It is not a fight of government versus government but rather a fight of innocents against terrorism- the resilience and light will shine through.
As everyone around the world navigates these harrowing times, let us remember that for each story of despair, there is a story of courage, determination, and resilience. Together, we share a common goal: a better, more peaceful future. Let us stand strong, informed, and empowered to make a difference. Let the beacon of hope guide us as we overcome obstacles and work towards lasting solutions. Let us remember for each act of terrorism there is an act of bravery. For those inclined to contribute, I have included a few donation links below.
With a hopeful yet heavy heart,
Sydney Addis
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