THE JOURNEY - Day 27

FRIDAY – Day 21 of the war of the iron swords

27.10.2023

I talked to my son in Edmonton yesterday and he showed me the snow behind his house. What a sight! Yeah, it is going to be a long winter for all of us... Yesterday, we had 34 Celsius and a hot wind - had to turn on the air-conditioning. Proof of a long winter, it did not get here yet.

It is Friday. We went to buy a few items for the weekend since stores are closed for Shabbat till Sunday morning. But Israel Train is running every two hours all weekend so people can commute to safer areas. First time ever in my memory. The bombs at the border are quiet right now - we are too far away to hear the ones from Syria or Gaza or the fighting near Metula. The bombing closer to us sounded earlier around lunchtime.

All of North Israel, from Metula in the East to Rosh-Hanikra in the West people evacuated. Kiryat Shmona alone has 73,000 people who had to run out of their houses in less than 10 minutes and took the basics for themselves and their children. Once they left the houses, they could not return, no matter how important the item they forgot; the army locked the doors. They were placed in hotels and other accommodations as guests of the government, but some did not want to host them. Many lost jobs and since children are returning to school this week even for part-time, they need security people who are serving in the reserve army now. I would not want to be in a government position at this time – it must be the height of confusion.

Day 21 to the mayhem - no it's not a war. fighting a huge drug-induced cartel of criminals who slaughter babies, including their own, is not a war. All Willie and I can do is thank God for His protection and ask for His mercy over the state of Israel and its people.

When I lit the Shabbat candles tonight, I added the memorial 25-hour candle for those killed and murdered since October 7. A small action that bring a bit of solace to me alone. But, I feel it is necessary. I prayed.

No, in all these things we are super conquerors, through the one who has loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.

(Romans 8:37-39)