Sincere thanks to all for your concern and prayers as we weather Operation Protective Edge. Here's a quick update, with a bit about how Mayor Eli Shaviro initiated programs to host Israelis from the south to provide them with some respite in Ariel, as well as a personal perspective on Ariel's first, and hopefully last, air raid siren during the current conflict, from Friends of Ariel Executive Director Avi Zimmerman. 

Homefront Hospitality in Ariel
"Our decision to invite the children of the southern communities of Israel to Ariel stems from a concern over basic human rights - the welfare of these children - and our Zionist obligation which we choose to fulfill in every way possible." Mayor Shaviro continued, "The criminal terror coming from Gaza cannot and will not affect our national deterrence but rocket fire on children is the stuff of nightmares. We want to give these children a break from the tension and welcome them and their families to enjoy our hospitality."
 

 

Our First Siren, Again
 

City of Ariel by NightOur first air raid siren during the current conflict was a wakeup call for me. The sounds that have been familiar to my generation and those that preceded us are now familiar to our children. What do we teach them? How do we prepare them? As with all of my peers, I am blessed with curious, inquisitive and sophisticated children. Mastering the drills of where to go for cover is elementary. Their questions are questions of strategy, national ethics, faith and purpose. "Why war?" "What does peace look like?" And of course, "What will happen if...".

 

 Read Avi Zimmerman's blog here...
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CONTACTS:
Israel Office, [email protected], 972 (3) 936-4406
Avi Zimmerman, Executive Director, [email protected], (866) 449-2010