Yesterday marked 20 years since we made Aliya. I remember my Dad explaining to us that Jewish people belong in Israel. He was sure that if we ever left South Africa, it would be to go to Israel. On the 18th of July 1994 we made the move. I remember the first time I truly felt Israeli. It was when I went to visit South Africa ten years ago...I suddenly felt that I didnt belong there...I understood the meaning of truly beloning somewhere. Until that day, I had always insisted that I was South African. A foreigner to Israel. I still feel different but definately feel Israeli. Today, as I was watching the news and the devastating announcement that we had lost 13 soldeirs in Gaza, I listened to a young boy say goodbye to his father over his grave. As I shed tears of pain and sorrow I looked around me and felt a mixture of joy and pride. I saw my Israeli husband sitting on the couch. Strong, confident and determined that our army should battle for our rights and win, yet concerned for innocent lives taken on the other side too. Turning to the left, I saw my two beautiful children playing with a balloon and laughing out loud. Two little Israeli angels being brought up with sirens and bombs and battles and losses. Looking down I saw my growing stomach with another little angel growing inside. Another Israeli child coming into this world. This is why we are here. We will continue to live in this country, bring wonderful, kind and caring children into this world. We will teach them NOT to kill, NOT to be violent yet to protect themselves when needed. For now, I will focus on hugging and kissing and protecting my children as long as I can. I will cherish every single minute with them. My thoughts are with all those mothers, wives and children that have lost their loved ones today. May they all rest in peace in the holy land.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 18:38:21 +0000
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