While writing this short email from the town of Petach Tikva in the great area of Gush Dan, a siren blasted its warning and missiles fired by Hamas went off nearby in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Holon area.
From my window I watched as a woman crossed the street in a pedestrian crosswalk and a car stopped and waited for her to cross (while the sirens blared).
A few meters away from her, at a construction site, a few Arab workers climbed to the roof of a building still under construction to watch “iron dome” shoot down the missiles.
This all happened in a matter of seconds and was a most surreal vision taking into consideration that we are in an undeclared war, while a siren is warning that nothing less than a missile attack is taking place and could hit us any moment.
The most important part is that I know the woman crossing the street. She is a new immigrant from the old Soviet Union who made Aliyah only last year!
I want to thank you – each and every one of the new immigrants – for showing strength and fearlessness and dedication to be here in Israel. We, new and old Israelis, believe we have no other country, no other place on earth. Nobody will push us away from Israel!
At the same time it is extremely sad to hear from future new immigrants and clients who have changed their minds and decided not to come to Israel “at this moment” or “not to purchase that real property at this time”!
As they told me: “They are waiting for better times”.
For all these “waiting for a better time” a small reminder below:
Israel: 1948 until TODAY!
Arab–Israeli War 1948
Suez Crisis 1956
Operation Kadesh
Operation Susannah
War over Water
Six Day War 1967
Operation Focus (Moked)
War of Attrition
Operation Boxer
Operation Bulmus
Operation Raviv
Operation Escort
Operation Rooster
Operation Priha
The Yom Kippur War 1973
Operation Doogman
Operation Abirey-Halev
First Lebanon War 1982
Operation Peace for Galilee
First Intifada
South Lebanon conflict
Operation Accountability
Operation Grapes of Wrath
Second Intifada
Operation Defensive Shield
Operation Determined Path
Operation Rainbow
Operation Days of Penitence
Second Lebanon War 2006
Operation Just Reward
Operation Sharp and Smooth
Operation Bringing Home the Goods
Operation Summer Rains
Operation Autumn Clouds
Operation Orchard
Operation Hot Winter
Operation Cast Lead
Operation Returning Echo
Operation Pillar of Defense
Operation Brothers’ Keeper
Operation Protective Edge…
This is just a short partial list.
Let me ask you one question only:
Do you have any doubt that we are a nation with a homeland, because we are strong and believe Israel is dear to us, because it is the only land we have? Don’t give up, join us!
