Two months later

Dear friends,

I realize it has been almost two months since my last post. Life here is speeding by and first semester is nearing its end. It would take way too long to write about everything that has been happening the past two months. Since the Operation in November, life in Israel is completely back to normal like it never happened. Most of my time has been spent at school as the semester is almost over. Then we have a few weeks of exams, which I am dreading!
     Aside from school consuming most my time, I went on a day excursion to Hebron to see how life is in the West Bank. Hebron is a unique city where Jews and Palestinians live next to each other. IDF soldiers are stationed all over the city on guard. There are approximately 250,000 Palestinians living in Hebron and between 500-800 Jews. The city is most notable for containing the traditional burial site of the biblical Patriarchs and Matriarchs and is therefore considered the second-holiest city in Judaism after Jerusalem The city is also venerated by Muslims for its association with Abraham and was traditionally viewed as one of the four holy cities of Islam. I visited the tombs, however you are not able to see very much from the Jewish Side. Walking around Hebron and seeing the abandoned stores and guard posts at every street corner really made me see another side to Israel. Although, in the distant I could see the urban bustling side of Hebron where Jews are not allowed. Living in Herzliya, the conflict seems so distant, but traveling to the tension areas of Israel reminds me why Israel is such an amazing country in which there is conflict North, South, East, and West, yet in between and in the metropolitan cities life goes on like any other urban city around the world. 
       Israel also just experienced quite the storms this past week. For 4 days straight we had severe rain and wind throughout the day and night. It was also very cold and flooded. It's funny how Israel can handle wars and operations every few months, but when it comes to bad weather the entire country shuts down. 
       Once finals are over in a few weeks, I hope to have more time to write more and update you all on Israel and the Middle East. 
All the best,
Hannah 

 Entering West Bank  Tomb of Patriarchs                 

 Abraham's Tomb

 View of Hebron

 IDF base in Hebron

 Abandoned Jewish shops 

 Surviving the storm

     
     

Israel under attack

Dear friends,

It has been quite some time since my last post and so much has been going on since then. I wish I had more time to write right now but for now it is extremely important that I share with you and for those who especially are not as up to date with the current situation to understand the threat that Israel is currently facing. Today, I spent the morning in Tel Aviv and for the first time experienced the event of a siren going off and within 15 seconds a rocket hitting land. No on was injured but it was an event I will certainly never forget; and this was nothing in comparison to what civilians have been enduring in the south intensely these past days and months.

I am sharing this letter that has been passed down which gives a broad picture of the current situation.

Dear world

In case you haven't heard yet, we are now in the midst of a battle with Hamas in Gaza.

A couple of months ago, after a relatively long period of quiet, Hamas (the terror organization which is the government in Gaza) started new rocket attacks against Israel's southern cities and communities.

Under this attack, the residents of the south live in fear. When they hear a siren, they have literally 15 seconds to run to the closest shelter. At night it is hard to fall asleep from the fear of missing a siren. They have to keep inside bomb shelters to keep from getting wounded. School is cancelled and life is frozen.

Israel has to provide security for its citizens, and cannot allow this situation in which so many people are in danger. Israel has decided to stop the Hamas rocket fire. It is our right to defend ourselves!!!
Two days ago, on Wednesday November 14, the Israeli Army killed the military head of Hamas -Ahmad Ja'bri (who is responsible for the deaths of over one thousand Israeli civilians, and the kidnapping of the soldier Gilad Shalit).

Hamas wants revenge for killing its commander, and started sending hundreds of rockets a day against us. That's how this current battle started.

Over the last three days almost 1000 rockets hit Israel in the South, in Tel Aviv… About 30 minutes ago 3 rockets fell here near Jerusalem. All my soldier friends were called to be ready for operations this weekend. The Israeli Army is successfully taking out rocket launching sites in Gaza.

Unfortunately, the Palestinians and Arab states prefer to call our attempts to defend ourselves – terror attacks. It's even more unfortunate that they have a part in shaping world public opinion and in many places around the world people tend to believe them and turn us into murderers, and call to wipe us off the map.
By the way, Hamas places many of its rocket launchers next to kindergartens and mosques. The heads of Hamas tend to hide near public places, like under hospitals in Gaza.

It's a horrible game they play. Hamas is trying to get us to hit innocent people, to make us look evil. You should know that the Israeli Army takes huge efforts to keep from hurting Palestinian civilians, even though Hamas doesn't seem to care at all if they get hurt – actually, it's hard to believe but that is their strategy.

-It is important for all of us to stay informed from reputable sources on the current operation. Here are a few pages that I recommend. 

www.idfblog.com
www.israelunderfire.gov.il
jpost.com

Finally, please keep Israel, all the young, brave soldiers serving and being called back into the reserves, and all the citizens who are living in constant fear of rocket attacks in your thoughts and prayers. 

Love,
Hannah Yael 

Long overdue!

Shalom Chaverim,

It has been quite sometime since my last post. Since the beginning of orientation, I have had little time to work on my blog. Right now even I should be doing my many readings for class, but a short blog post is way over due. Wow, where to begin?!
First, orientation was a crazy week. I met so many new students from all over the world. Many parts of the week were boring, learning about the school, rules, schedules etc. But I knew this was an inevitable beginning to the school year. After a few days of orientation on campus, the entire first year international school went on a 2 day trip to the south. In brief here is an outline of our trip: We boarded your typical tour busses early in the morning Wednesday and headed first to the Lahav Forests, for group training with our assigned groups that we were with for the entire orientation week. We then went to Sde Boker, where Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel is buried. Then to Beduin tents where we stayed the night, had a "Beduin meal", and evening party. In the morning, after a long night with little sleep, we boarded the busses and went for an early morning hike. From there we had a long bus ride to the Dead Sea. After a couple hours there, it was time to head back to Herzliya. I was very ready to get back to our apartment and begin classes.
    I am now in my second week of classes. I can tell it is going to be very difficult with lots and lots of reading, but I am happy here and like the people in my program. I don't have much time now to explore the rest of Israel, but Herzliya is a nice place to be and all my friends are here. We enjoy spending time together whether on campus, in class, making Shabbat dinner, or going out on the weekends.

   I must get back to my studies now, but I hope everyone reading wherever you may be is well and staying informed with current issues including the upcoming US elections as well as the rapid renewal of rockets hitting southern Israel.
Until next time.
Lots of love,
Hannah Yael

 Friends making Shabbat dinner

Orientation trip Lahav Forest

 Sde boker

 Morning hike

One week later, one year older.

Shalom Chaverim,

Well I sit here today writing this post finally as a twenty year old; no longer considered a teen. Even though I feel like I never went through the teenage years now, in hindsight turning twenty made a bell go off in my head telling me to slow down and enjoy these years. We are only young once and now is the time to enjoy life to its fullest. 
   This week has been a week full of surprises and birthdays to celebrate. First it was my roommate, David's birthday. Both of us are not used to celebrating birthdays, but this year that changed. With David's closest friends we went to watch the El Classico football game all dressed in Real Madrid attire. It was great to see our friend happy with his friends and sister watching his favorite team. It was certainly a night none of us will forget. A couple days later came my birthday. David and Shanee kept everything very secretive. I had no idea what they were planning. So on Thursday morning Shanee told me to put on a swimsuit but had no idea where we were going. I still had no idea until we got out of the taxi at The Hamei Ga'ash Spa in her families kibbutz. David and Shanee surprised me with a massage, which was one of the most relaxing things I have ever experienced. After spending the afternoon enjoying the different pools, we headed back towards Herzliya where more surprises were waiting. Now it was David's turn. When I walked into my bedroom it was filled with balloons everywhere and a big teddy bear. I was speechless. Not only because I have never had such things done for me, but also because I am so lucky to have these two amazing people in my life. 
   After this, most of the surprises were over but the night was just beginning. David, his big sister, Shanee, and I went out for birthday dinner then we returned home and got ready for a fun night out in Tel Aviv. They know how much I love to dance, so we went to the dancing club, Galina with a few more friends. It was really fun and a great way to end my birthday. While this day was extra special, it also was just another day of many that I will never forget. But there is no doubt, I will never forget my first birthday here in Israel. 
    Now I am catching up on sleep and enjoying some quiet time in Modiin with my " Israel Mom", Sheli. She is such an amazing lady, that I am so lucky to have met my last time in Israel. Tomorrow orientation begins at IDC. I am excited but also nervous for the school year to begin. The past few weeks have been filled with fun adventures, but now it is time to get into a routine and begin my studies. 
     Once again, I find it important to mention what has been continuing on Israel's borders, this week mostly in the south. Rockets and mortar shells continue to hit Israel Eshkol region. Thankfully no Israeli citizens have been hurt in these attacks, but Friday evening a rock hit a home and a child's room. These attacks will sadly continue, despite the Israel Air Forces outstanding capabilities of striking targets and launching grounds. 
   Until next time, I hope everyone reading from all over the world is keeping informed and remembering the important things in life, as I am continuing to learn and become a better individual each and everyday. Don't forget to smile!
Love,
Hannah Yael 

David's Birthday

 My birthday surprises!

 An unforgettable birthday

Oh how the time flies by...

Hi once again!
It's hard for me to comprehend that another week has already come and gone. I am learning through my time here that you must grasp every moment of the day and live it to it's fullest or you will miss out on so much the world has to offer.
    So this past week I have been doing just that and enjoying my free time in Israel before school begins. Shanee and I have especially enjoyed some girl time exploring different malls and shopping centers in Herzliya and Tel Aviv (sorry, Dad). It has been a bit challenging figuring out public transportation here, but it will come with time. For us girls, it was very important for us to find our way to the Azrieli Center in TLV, where the first Forever 21 opened in Israel last summer. The center is the largest shopping center in TLV. It was fun to walk around and see so many Israeli's and visitors, especially because of the holidays.
      I really like Tel Aviv. It reminds me of New York, but to me it has so much more character and history. Like most of Israel, there is so much diversity just within TA. Yesterday we went to the Shuk Ha Carmel. The shuks in Israel are a fun place to explore, with all the vendors and flavors of the country. The shuk is also a great place to find amazing deals on clothes, produce, and meats. Unfortunately we couldn't buy too much but we will definitely return to buy more.
     I have also been enjoying the free time going to the beautiful beaches in Herzliya, which are much more quiet than in Tel Aviv. Until now, I have never spent time on the beach, but it is something I can definitely get used to doing. This Shabbat I went with Shanee to her families kibbutz. Kibbutz Gash is a really nice kibbutz next to Herzliya. It is nice to see how happy people are on the kibbutz, much different than life in America which also seems to be wanting more and more and not appreciating what you have. Family is so important to them, which is something I am learning is crucial to never forget. Today I saw my friend Evan, who made Aliyah almost two years ago and is now in the army. It was really inspiring to see him in his uniform serving our homeland. I have so much respect for the Israel Defense Force, and especially for those soldiers who come from abroad to serve and protect Israel.
    While I have one more week to enjoy my time here before school begins(and celebrate my first birthday in Israel this week!), I also want to mention what has been happening on Israel's front. If I had no access to Internet and the news I would have no idea there were any external threats towards Israel. Sadly, there are many threats facing Israel all the time. Just yesterday, the amazing Israel Air Force shot down a drone that infiltrated Israeli airspace. Defense officials are estimating the drone is linked to Hezbollah and the Shiite terror group, starting in Lebanon and possibly headed towards Israel's nuclear reactor center, Dimona. Operating a drone by remote control requires capabilities Israel was not aware Hezbollah had acquired. We are all very fortunate nothing bad came from this event, but it shows that the future is very unstable with the potentials of Israel's enemies. And not only in Israel, has there been recent attacks. Europe is continuing to be unstable as Jewish sites in France are being attacked. I could write so much more on the many conflicts facing Israel and the rest of the world, but my blog is meant to show my life here in Israel and how different it is than what you see on the news, but it is so important for everyone to be aware of the threats not only facing Israel, but western societies. Until next time, thanks again for reading and Chag Sameach!
Love,
Hannah Yael

 Carmel Shuk-Tel Aviv

 Tel Aviv

 Herzliya beach

 Azrieli Center-Tel Aviv

 Kibbutz Gash

 View from the Kibbutz

The Adventure Continues

Wow, I can't believe it has only been a couple days since my last post. I feel like I have been here so long already, but in reality it has only been a week now! Once the sun went down and Yom Kippur finished, life went back to normal as if nothing ever happened. We went to Herzliya Petuach and enjoyed a lovely evening on the beach. After twenty-four hours of fasting it was a nice way to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

   Friday, I finally was able to go to Jerusalem. Of course I have been to Jerusalem on my previous trips, and lived there during my high school semester in Israel, but this time was a completely new, unforgettable experience. Jerusalem is not the most beautiful cities compared to others in Israel, but to fully understand what it has to offer one must visit Jerusalem with his heart and feel his or her own personal connection. Taking the bus into Jerusalem, and I mean a real bus, not the big tourists bus' I spent so much time in the past, provided an entirely different reaction. Sitting amongst citizens and soldiers, I felt like I was living as a fellow Israeli, not the outside tourist I have felt so much. Jerusalem has such a different feel to it than Herzliya and Tel Aviv. I love the modern cities and fast paced lifestyle, but there is no way to describe the feeling when you enter the Old City of Jerusalem, It's as if time stops and people from all over the world and so many backgrounds come together to see ancient history whether it may be of their Jewish, Christian, or Arab ancestors. 

 We bagan our trip fro the central bus station to the famous Mahane Yehuda Shuk, we strolled around all the hustle and bustle then made our way to Ben Yehuda Street. The Shuk is such a fun place just to observe all the people and sellers trying to get you to buy from their stands. This time in Ben Yehuda I felt new emotions. Ben Yehuda street is named after Eliezer Ben Yehuda, the founder of modern Hebrew. Ironically this area today is filled with many English speakers, may they be new immigrants, tourists, or Yeshiva/Seminary students. Although  I still speak English and learning Hebrew, I did not like hearing so much English around me. I feel it's important to integrate into Israeli society and culture in order to fully experience the dimensions of living in this amazing country.

Of course you cannot go to Jerusalem and miss seeing the Kotel. It has been three years since I have been to the Kotel, but nothing around it has really changed, which adds to the uniqueness of debatably, the most important place in the world. As the Shabbat approached, stores began to close and people were heading homewards with their fresh "challot"(Shabbat twisted bread) in hand. My entire time in Jerusalem I was in a daze, trying to grasp my reality now as I wake up everyday in Israel, the place I have dreamt of so much.

    Saturday was back to the modern world of life in Israel, as we spent the day on the beach and marina of Herzliya Petuach. It was another beautiful day, not too cold or too hot. I will never forget that while I was in the sea it began to lightly rain. What are the odds of that happening? In the evening we enjoyed Tel Aviv nightlife. The city was especially filled with the younger crowd as  it was the night before Sukkot. While I am not doing much for Sukkot, it has been nice seeing people gathering what they need to build their sukkah's and the younger religious boys selling "etrogim and lulavim"(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Species#List_of_the_four_plants) on the streets.

    As I write about all the wonderful experiences I am so lucky to have here, and it has only been a week, I must also mention what just took place in New York at the United Nations. Every year there is the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders from all over the world come together to discuss pivotal issues in their countries or surrounding areas. Of course, one of the biggest facing the entire world is the threat of Iran's nuclear weapon program. Iran's president said on Wednesday his country was "under constant threat of military action from "uncivilized Zionists" and called for a new world order not dominated by Western powers in the service of "the devil." Funny enough, he neither mentioned his countries nuclear weapon program or the civil war going on in Syria. The next day, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a simple but clear diagram of Iran's ability to produce uranium for his first bomb. Netanyahu drew a red line so the rest of the world could visualize Iran's abilities in the near future against western civilization. 

    But, I don't want to end on a depressing note. These threats to Israel, as well as America are very serious and important to understand and do something about. However, since I've been here in Israel I am seeing that despite the constant threats Israel's face they live normal lives filled with family, friends, and enjoyment. I hope through my writings, people can get a different idea than what the media portrays, and see that despite the conflict that Israel will continue to prosper. As John F. Kennedy once said, ""Israel was not created in order to disappear - Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom."

 At the Shuk with David's sister

 mmm glida on Ben Yehuda

 At the Kotel

 building Sukkah in the Old City

 At the beach

Yom Kippur in Israel

Shalom Chaverim(friends),


Wow. I am still in shock over the amazing two days I just experienced. Israeli's have told me that Yom Kippur in Israel was a remarkable day and that I was so lucky to be able to observe it here, but I had no idea it would be so meaningful. As a fairly secular Jew, I have never really fully observed Yom Kippur. Especially growing up in Indiana, being the only Jew in my school no one would even know the day was any different. But being here in Israel, everything shut down as the sun descended and you could feel the Chag(holiday) in the air. My wonderful roommates David, Shanee, and myself went to Janet's apartment in Herzliya to eat the pre Chag meal. Janet is an amazing lady who helped us in finding our apartment. In the evening we walked around the center of Herzliya. All the children were out in the streets on their bicycles and everyone was walking in the streets. No cars anywhere. Later in the evening we went to Herzliya Pituach to the beach. This was my first time back to the beach since my last time in Israel, three years ago. It was a long walk, but once we reached the sea I was in awe. Standing barefoot in the sand with the Mediterranean water rubbing up against my feet I couldn't believe I was actually there. This is what my Dad would call a "Shekianu moment" I stood gazing into the Sea feeling so grateful for my opportunity to be here in Israel at this pivotal time in my life. Awestruck, standing there you would never know there was any conflicts in the world. For those of you who know me, you know I am a pretty serious, worried person most of the time, but as I gazed into the sea and up to the stars I felt the most relaxed and happy in such a long time. The rest of the Chag our threesome rested and had many discussions. I wish I could have taken pictures of these amazing days, but no technology is allowed, which really made the time memorable. While it was difficult to fast, especially with no drinking, when the sun came down and we all broke the fast together, what an indescribable feeling. As  I sit here writing, I can't help to smile. While life here is not easy and as I continue to learn the language, I couldn't be more happy and grateful to be here. Mom and Dad, I love you both so much thanks for letting your crazy girl follow her heart. Until next time.
Shana tova!

Love,
Hannah Yael

The amazing Janet     

                                                                   Classic Israeli     dish-Shakshuka

 My lovely roommate, Shanee

 Our threesome