From 90210 to Sderot

Almost thirty years ago at Camp David, Egyptian Prime Minister Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachim Begin established peace between the two nations (supposedly President Jimmy Carter participated in the negotiations without parental supervision). In Israel's first "Land for Peace" initiative, it gave Egypt the Sinai peninsula in return for peace. So what is Egypt doing with the Sinai Peninsula? Using the land for peace initiatives perhaps? Hahahahahahaaha. According to this Jpost story , Egyptian policemen assist Palestinian terrorists along the Egypt-Gaza border. Yes, Egyptians help the Palestinian terrorists smuggle weapons into Gaza. Jpost reported , "Since Hamas's takeover of Gaza in June, the terrorist group has smuggled into Gaza 100 tons of explosives, millions of bullets, hundreds of antitank missiles and even a small number of Katyusha rockets". (picture pre-disengagement- If anyone is interested, I posted instructions on how ...

You know what a day without a Qassam means? A good day for tennis! Stan, 54, from West Virginia, another volunteer at the Sderot Media Center, claimed from the day we met to be a tennis nutt. I, however, downplayed this from the outset, not believing he could take the great Benji Davis on his hallowed ground (Migrash Tennis as they say in Israel). It was fun and competitive. But for Stan's sake, I won't mention the score. Ha. So why didn't the terrorists fire any rockets today? Busy at work? Night school? Went to the beach? Took the day off? Just kidding. They're probably waiting for Israel to enter Gaza again in their defensive actions to stop the Qassam fire on Sderot and the western Negev. As soon as that happens, I'm going to get my umbrella out because it's going to be raining rockets (I'm funny right?). Anyway, I went to school again today. There is group dancing twice a day during recess- like at Bar Mitzvahs. Dancing, games or organized spor...

I lived on Kibbutz Saad (7 minute drive from Sderot ) for three months during the spring of 06', volunteering with kids in the elementary school and in after-school activities. I got a call from my "Kibbutz Mom" (she rocks, but my mom back in b-hills is still the best), while I was on my way to Jerusalem Thursday evening, that two kids I know from Saad - Roe and Rome - were entering Rome's h ouse in Sderot (they're neighbors) when a Qassam fell on Rome's house (5 minute walk from me). Rome and Roe are alright. But Rome's mom was the 40 year old woman lightly-moderately wounded by the Qassam . Their house is not protected from rocket fire; the usual in Sderot . Hey Olmert you home? Some people I know need a little help, care at all? I saw Roe today on the Kibbutz playing with his friends - and he just witnessed a rocket fall right in front of him three days ago. What a guy (I mean 8 years-old boy). The madness just gets worse. Today the Jerusalem Pos...

I was on the phone with a friend when the " Tzevah Adom " sounded just an hour ago. Luckily, I ran to a shelter. This is what Jpost reported for the most recent Qassam attack. A 40-year-old woman was lightly to moderately wounded on Thursday after a Kassam rocket fired by Palestinians directly hit a house in Sderot . The woman received medical treatment at the scene before being evacuated to a hospital. Magen David Adom officials were treating several people who were suffering from shock. Security forces were on their way to the scene. Earlier, Palestinians launched thre e Kassam rockets causing no casualties or damages. Just because only one woman was lightly-moderately wounded, over 20,000 people's lives were hurt by this one attack. Qassams affect your thoughts - they influence every action you take. There is no sense of normalcy in Sderot . I can't even have a peaceful phone conversation with my friend without worrying about the rockets. I've been her...

Today was my first day volunteering at a local Sderot elementary school. And boy was it fun to be back in second grade! As usual, the kids were quite fond of me. First thing in the morning, we attended a one-man interactive play regarding safety pre- cautions when crossing the street. In the middle of the show, which took place in a bomb shelter, "Tzevah Adom" sounded, and ten kids - with their teacher- bolted into the room for cover, interupting the production. It was no biggie, however - running for their lives - the usual in Sderot. Following the play was recess. My best subject growing up. Look at Shlomi do his dance for the camera - this deserves to be shown around the world. About five minutes later though, another "Tzevah Adom" sounded. We were all outside- everyone bolted for the shelter. I got some of it on camera, which a few kids were not pleased with. This craziness is everyday for them - I understood and turned the camera off. And right after the rocket...

I planned on waking up at 8: 30 today. However, the Palestinian terrorists living a few kilometers away changed my morning plans. "Tzeva Adom" "Tzeva Adom" sounded four times this morning, between 7:00 and 8:00 AM- all followed by big booms. Only one of the Qassams landed in Sderot, on the other side of town! I thought for sure one of the Qassams fell on the street behind me. Nope, not even close. I wish the "Tzevah Adom" was a little quieter, because as crazy as it sounds, I'm not getting out of bed - I got nowhere to go. So let me get a little more sleep! Let's see how the rest of the day goes. I have a feeling those terrorists in Gaza are a little pissed about the IDF's incursions yesterday to stop them from waking me up early in the morning. Kol Hakavod leTzahal!

I'm trying to imagine a scenario where governments in the developed world are against protecting their citizens. And I can't! What's going on here? Why doesn't the Israeli Government want to protect its own people! Here's the scoop: (Ynet article - yes, I'm a reliable source) 1) Sderot residents file high court petition demanding the government fund fortification for over 800 homes. 2) The petition claims the government is responsible for protecting them from Qassam rockets (duh!). 3) The state claims that current laws do not obligate them to fortify Sderot homes (are you serious?!). Not protecting your citizens because you don't have to according to the law? That sounds a little unlawful to me... Here's why Sderot needs protection. Look at this mayhem during a "Tzevah Adom" - no where to run, nowhere to go. Click Here. In the state's response to the petition, it said, "It (fortifying residents' homes) affects the ability of res...