Thursday, July 20, 2006

Fierce Fighting North of Moshav Avivim

19:35 pm Israel time: Fierce fighting taking place now just north of Moshav Avivim in Lebanon. Ten Hizballah cells hit, six IDF soldiers are injured, mortar shells fired toward the moshav. The correspondent reports that the area is heavily forested, and Hizballah has built fortifications in the area - which is making the battle difficult.

18:25 pm Israel time: Katyusha falls in Meron area, no injuries. IDF soldier wounded and Hizballah terrorist killed in fighting in Lebanon.

[Personal update: This is probably the mother of all "only in Israel" stories. Jameel has a clip of an Israeli tank crew saying Tefillat HaDerech (prayers for a safe journey) - reading from the back of their dog tags. Check it out.

[Personal update: In addition to the IDF, there are three other groups who are working like dogs in the north, and in the south. One, the policemen. Two, the ambulance crews. Three, the firemen. As of now I am not aware of an organization that gives these groups encouragement and treats like pizzaIDF. Anyone care to pick up the gauntlet? I am sure it would be very appreciated.]

12:47 pm Israel time: Kassam rocket falls in the western Negev, one person slightly injured. As a result fires break out in the area and firemen are putting them out.Three more terrorists killed in Gaza (bringing the total killed today to 10). A Hizballah terrorist approaching ground forces north of Avivim in Lebanon is killed.

12:02 pm Israel time: More katyushas fell both in the western and eastern Galilee, no injuries reported. The IAF has destroyed more rocket launchers in Lebanon, and has hit the El-Manar tv station again.

[Personal update: I just listened to an interview of three Americans who made aliyah recently, two from the airport, and one who has been here for two weeks. It is wonderful to hear their voices - and the Israelis here are very moved that people from America are making aliyah in the middle of a war! Even the cynical reporters tease them gently - and are moved despite themselves.]

9:43 am Israel time: Katyusha lands in Tiberias, no injuries reported.

[Personal update: For those of you in America and England who would like to demonstrate in favor of Israel, this web site has a list of all of the places where these demonstrations are taking place. It is important to go - both for our morale here in Israel (we look for the pictures and enjoy every one!) and to let the politicians know in America that they shouldn't pressure for a cease-fire too soon.

8:10 am Israel time: Reports of fierce fighting between Hizballah and IDF forces in western Lebanon. Two soldiers slightly wounded.

[Personal update: Many people have left comments wishing me a stress-free day yesterday. In fact yesterday was definitely less stressful - but the war is always with us. We went bowling in Petach Tikva, and then went to tour the Mekorot station in Rosh HaAyin (the water works). We noticed that there was a huge traffic jam on the other side of the street (leading to Petach Tikva) and when we called home to see what was happening, we heard that there was a terrorist alert and they were looking for someone in our area. During our tour of Mekorot, the guide gave us a history of the pumping station, and explained that it was built in a concrete bunker (yes, the entire facility is under ground). She asked our 11-12 year old kids why they thought this was necessary, and every kid knew exactly why - to protect it from the bombs that might be dropped on it. Instead of having to explain something from the past that would be incomprehensible to an American kid, the guide had part of her job usurped by current events. And, when the news came on the radio in the car on the way home, the kids immediately got quiet to hear - I didn't have to ask them to keep it down. ]

7:03 am Israel time: Fighting continues on all three fronts this morning. In the south, Kassam rockets fall both in Sderot and in Ashkelon, no injuries reported. The IDF hits a tunnel in Gaza. IDF arrests 12 wanted fugitives in Judea and Samaria. IAF continues its strikes in Beirut. Speculation here in Israel on whether Nasrallah has been killed in the massive air strike last night in Lebanon.

5 Comments:

Blogger Thuunda said...

I grew up in South Africa when we were at war with neighbouring states (especially with Angola and Cuban troops in Angola). We also had a lot of terrorist attacks during this time period (late 70's as I recall). Freedom fighters they called themselves (apart from the politics - if you target civilians you are a terrorist). Our government still has strong ties with communist governments, and I suspect has a lot of sympathy for the mid-east terrorist organisations.

Anyways, what I wanted to say is that I was a kid then and can remember vividly my mother warning us to be on the outlook for terrs and not to play in my "military fatigues" and playgun in the front yard as the police might mistake me for a terr :).

This state of constant terrorisation, as a kid then, left a lasting impression on me and I remember having nightmares of trying to hide away from terrorists attacking our house etc.

I have sympathy for the kids of Israel. Take care of them and let them know that you will protect them regardless of anything. Phsycologically, I think, even with the toughest of kids, this state of constant danger leaves a lasting impression.

8:29 AM, July 20, 2006  
Blogger westbankmama said...

The kids here (the boys at least) play at being soldiers, and talk about it. They see their fathers going out to do guard duty and out to reserve duty if called. They are curious about the guns, jeeps, etc. Part of this is normal boy stuff, part of it is a way to reassure themselves that there is a way to fight the terrorists. Bottom line, we live in a country in danger - but we have an army to fight to protect us, and the kids know that when it is their turn they will be able to do something actively. I think this helps.

Thanks for your comment.

8:43 AM, July 20, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your updates keep us all closer. Keep taking care of you and your own.
Thinking of you.

11:24 AM, July 20, 2006  
Blogger Thuunda said...

I have a lot of respect for the Israeli army. May G-d grant them wisdom and strength!

Israeli's can be very proud of their men and women in the forces!

2:17 PM, July 20, 2006  
Blogger Jameel @ The Muqata said...

WBM: I thought the video clip was rather moving as well...sort of gives you a lump in your throat.

11:33 PM, July 20, 2006  

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