Routine

The celebrations are over and we are now back to the routine. Qassams have been slamming into the Negev communities as Hamas returns to its routine of destruction. Mortars fired at Israel killed a civilian on a kibbutz. In addition we watch what is happening in Lebanon as Iran oops I meant Hezbollah flexes its muscle. Of course at the very sight of this Siniora began to shake and of course gave in to Hezbollah's demands. I think he was crying again too. Of course he added that they should keep the focus on the real enemy Israel. I feel sorry for the citizens of Lebanon who have such poor leadership. They are not our enemy. I just hope they like the rulers of Iran. I'm just saying...

Of course the routine continues in our own back yard. Will the other shoe finally drop on Olmert? Cabinet ministers have given him support. Mofaz thinks he is innocent until proven guilty. Great concept. Livni was the only minister who remained silent. Her mother taught her well. If you don't have anything nice to say...you know the rest.

The next decade for Israel should be an interesting one. My only prediction is that Israel will still be here and stronger than before.

Submitted by Carol

Don't Forget

I will always remember Staff Sergeant Michael Levin and I have never met him. He was killed in a clash with Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War. An American who immigrated to Israel in 2004. He as a member of an elite paratrooper unit. 

My friend Natan's brother was called to active duty during the war and was fighting in Lebanon. We would exchange daily SMS. Just my way of checking that he was okay. Then one day I woke with a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong. I spent the day like that. And no answer to my SMS. Then later that day I heard the news.

Natan's brothers name in Hebrew is pronounced Micha-el. I always called him Michael, using the American pronunciation of his name. When I heard the news I understood that something terrible happened to Michael. Just not my Michael. 

Tonight starts Memorial Day in Israel for Fallen Soldiers. They fought for all of us. Remember them. Make Israel a better country in their memory.