DAY 168. SWORDS OF IRON WAR. 22.03.2024.

FRIDAY.

The booming started again last night, after sundown. Although the iron dome interception sounded close to us, we had no sirens. The north continues to be attacked off and on during the night and it is still being attacked today. The fasting and prayers of Ramadan continue; why are they engaging in war?

After morning prayers I found this news:

PRESS BRIEFING BY IDF SPOKESPERSON, REAR ADMIRAL DANIEL HAGARI:

The IDF continues its operation at Shiva Hospital, detaining over 500 suspects, including 358 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists. Among those apprehended are high-ranking officials from both groups. The operation, executed by surprise with special forces, aims to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. Evacuation of patients is underway, with ongoing calls for surrender from barricaded terrorists. Efforts to secure the release of 134 hostages in Gaza persist.

"This is the operation with the largest aggregation of terrorists we have apprehended since the beginning of the war."

? Full translation of a briefing by the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari: https://www.idf.il/187364

IDF continues to be merciful to all civilians. The hospital evacuation is done simultaneously as they build a facility of medical care nearby. Our soldiers are working hard to ensure that civilians are not hurting – on both sides.

Ozney Haman

Friday morning, we went shopping for Shabbat. Purim celebration of the book of Esther is on Sunday, so we added: “Ozeny-Haman” (Hamantaschen)cookies filled with poppy seeds and a cheesecake. Just in case someone comes for a visit. We are always ready to feed our guests. Only lately we don't have as many guests as we used to host and we end up freezing many items. My little freezer on top of the fridge is filling up.

Yes, you are welcome to visit anytime, only call ahead.

People are getting very tired from the war, and even more frustrated from the fact that the hostages are still in the dark and cold tunnels without proper food or medical attention. Since October 7 – almost 6 months. Everyone is praying for a miracle in the front and in the rear.

Purim celebrations were halted. Some say we need to continue and others ask that no public celebrations will be done while our hostages are still in the hands of the terrorists.

I remember Purim's “ad-lo-yada” (meaning, until he doesn't know) parades from my childhood. Two decrees were always associated with Purim. One was, “You are obligated to be happy” while the other was “A person is obligated to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordechai."

No, I'm sure it is not in the bible. But it is the holiday tradition.

Cities put on the parade and children prepare for it weeks ahead. The costumes were of characters from the Book of Esther and two children were chosen as Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus to represent the school.

I recall a seamstress coming each year to our home to sew a custom for me for Purim. I loved the two-coloured costume of the clown. I never wanted to be Queen Esther. At the time the characters of the story of Ester were the only ones used except the IDF soldiers and the police force customs were also used. These last two were always with the children in Israel, many of our fathers served and we always had wars. Later generations added all the costumes one sees at Halloween everywhere.

This year, many oppose the parades. I thank God that I am not required to make a decision. I don't know if celebrating in homes and family units and school gyms is enough to help people to be happy. Truthfully, I'd never seen a drunk person until I arrived in Canada in my early 20s. So it is not the drinks that will do it either. But I can sympathize with the voices who want to see their family members back at home before the nation celebrates.

(ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8)

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.

(I found a button that changes the case. It gave me a sentence case. Hard on the editing but I hope it helps in the reading).

SHABBAT SHALOM.