Update from Israel

Project Kesher Israel's Director, Olya Weinstein reports, “This is the most difficult conflict that I have experienced since I immigrated here 21 years ago. There are shootings all across the country, even up North. One activist said that three nearby homes were hit by rockets in the last day. Another activist reports that a bus was hit by her home and 7 were injured. The activist's window broke in the explosion and Olya connected her to the governmental services who take care of it. Many women send videos as they hear sirens in their apartments and feel frightened and fearful. Many have moved to their kids’ places but others, including a PKI board member are all alone in their hostels. PKI's WhatsApp group became a lifeline again. I have translated into Russian messages of where they can get psychological support for free and what to do when they hear sirens. Some of them report they have taken medication to treat anxiety. I’ve been in constant touch with them. In Jerusalem, I can hear explosions somewhere in the sky of Modiin, i think. My kids have been afraid to go to bed. And I am afraid of a civil war that might eliminate a chance of not only coexistence but of Israel as a state. Many of our activists from the North and Center invited those from the south to come to their places to stay until it is over. A few hours later they found themselves in shelters and the activists from the north invited all of those from the south and center to come to their places. Tonight, they too woke up to sirens. So many years of separation, so many problems unsolved, so much time under the radar- and now it has just exploded.”