It is 3:30 in the morning, and I wake up again after a short, insufficient sleep. When I feel hopeless about falling back asleep, I browse through emotional posts to gain the strength to face the reality imposed on us. Then, I try to organize the chaotic thoughts in my mind by writing them down.
We woke up to the sound of blaring sirens in the Gaza Strip. Sadly, it has become a regular occurrence, but this time it seemed worse than ever. While some around me were understandably stressed, I tried my best to remain calm and focused on what needed to be done. However, what bothered me the most was having to wake up earlier than usual.
We were at Ozen Prep, and we walked into a large, sheltered room Little by little, we received news that was unlike anything we'd experienced before. In our worst and wildest dreams, we couldn't have imagined this.
As I make my way towards the medical headquarters, I ask innocently if there are any wounded, only to realize that there is more to it. Just before I enter the improvised clinic, someone informs me that my brother is lying there wounded. I am unsure whether to believe them or if they are hiding something more. God forbid. entered
I had only 5 minutes to process the sight of my brother Michael, who was seriously injured but still conscious. He fought alongside his fellow heroes from Shlomit in the battle that saved Pri Gan and the lives of Aviad Cohen and Reuven Shisportish Z"L.
Accompanying my brother in the ambulance to the helipad. I try to join him in the helicopter but get a "get out of here and quickly" response. I go back to the ambulance but my heart won't let me leave my beloved brother. I only want to say a final goodbye, seeing him already barely breathing and in agony
I met Yotam who informed me that my other brother, who is currently serving in the standby unit of the Bnei Netzer settlement, is searching for Michael and worries about him. He will inform Michael that he saw him boarding the helicopter.
I return to our makeshift medical center, tears streaming down my face. A team of dedicated doctors, including Dr. Yehudit and Dr. Ilana, who left behind little twins and an elderly father, are there to help.
Reut Kellerman, the mythological nurse of Netzer, her mother Essie Hiller, other nurses, Magen David Adom personnel, and volunteers work together to provide aid in the chaotic aftermath.
Amidst the chaos, there were some remarkable individuals who stood out. Paramedic Menachem approached the situation with a level head, while Hanania, Yosef, and Akiva Shabbat calmly and resourcefully evacuated and cared for their neighbors who were affected by a missile that hit their home. In fact, Akiva Shabbat's wife and children were taking refuge in the neighbor's house at the time of the attack because their own home was hit.
The wounded heroes of Kerem Shalom have arrived, and the sights are extremely difficult to witness. We are all waiting for the helicopter to arrive so that we can evacuate them safely.
As we wait, a report comes in about a woman in labor, which is my field of expertise. I feel a glimmer of hope, hoping that at least one new life can be brought into the world during this tough time. However, the situation quickly becomes more complicated as it becomes clear that the woman needs to undergo an emergency cesarean section at a hospital. Unfortunately, we are informed that no helicopters are available for evacuation and told to forget about it. The woman is given fluids and closely monitored under observation.
I returned to my husband and children, grateful to the Rosen family and the other courageous women who took care of them while I was away. As the holiday came to an end, I called my parents to inform them about my brother's injury, but they had already received the news and were on their way to the hospital.
A nightmarish day with devastating news. I struggle to come to terms with the horror, unable to believe life will ever be normal again.
The following day, a report is received that the mother's condition has worsened since yesterday; they are waiting to be evacuated. Meets the legendary Efrat Botshak. Walks 5 minutes to the side to breathe. Efrat tells me that she had to go tell her two neighbors about the death of their beloved spouses. In what world does a midwife give news about a death?
In the meantime, a young couple, evacuated from Yated due to an inferno, arrived to give birth to their first child. The woman is a week young and again we have to evacuate her for fear of premature birth.
When she asks if her husband can join her, we immediately answer "Of course." The ambulance arrives and it turns out that there are no companions allowed.
The tears in the woman's eyes and the husband's helplessness accompany me. This is not how birth should be.
On Monday morning, the road opened up and we made the decision to evacuate. We have never evacuated voluntarily before, but we now believe that the situation has become too complex for our children. Although it is true that there are not many medical staff available in the settlement, we feel that it is important to prioritize our children's mental health at this time.
During our stay at the hostel at Neta, you get the chance to meet the warm and friendly people of Israel who are always ready to lend a helping hand. However, what we truly desire is going home and a chance to go back in time.
We often hear about the brave soldiers and citizens who sacrificed their lives to save others. We hope and pray that God will provide us with comfort and allow us to spread love even during the mundane days. Let us be strong and courageous.
While they bring darkness and evil, we bring compassion, love and light.
As it is written in the bible: "God will give strength to his people. God will bless his people with peace."
