Day 39 — Israel in Crisis
What a day!
I picked up my friend, Robbie Dawkins and his wife at the airport this morning. He came to show support to Israel during this most sensitive and difficult time. He got a taste of reality very quickly. We went to the grocery store to buy all kinds of drinks and snacks (see below) for some soldiers we would be visiting when the sirens began to sound. The grocery store was full of people, and by the time we made our way back to the safe area, we heard three loud explosions. Shortly after that, the news was reporting that one made a hit in Ashkelon. We’ve been so busy today that I’m unsure if anyone was hurt.
Robby and I, Heading to a Bomb Shelter
After the sirens stopped, we all jumped in the car and headed to Zikim. Zikim is a kibbutz on the Mediterranean coast right at the top of the northern border of Gaza. Hamas terrorists used speedboats to attack this kibbutz on October 7. Everyone has been evacuated, and the military is now using it.
After delivering the drinks and snacks to very happy soldiers, we headed south to the area close to where the festival took place where also many young people were killed. We met with three soldiers, who you can see in the video. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide them with armor. They were so sweet.
After the sirens stopped, we all jumped in the car and headed to Zikim. Zikim is a kibbutz on the Mediterranean coast right at the top of the northern border of Gaza. Hamas terrorists used speedboats to attack this kibbutz on October 7. Everyone has been evacuated, and the military is now using it.
After delivering the drinks and snacks to very happy soldiers, we headed south to the area close to where the festival took place where also many young people were killed. We met with three soldiers who, because of your generosity, we were able to provide them with armor. They were so sweet.
You made a big difference in these soldiers lives and those in their unit!
Like all the soldiers we meet, none of them are bent on death and destruction as the media would have you believe. Just the opposite, they want to go home to their families but are willing to do what it takes to defend the State of Israel. They don’t hate Palestinians and actually told us that they don’t blame Islam but fanatical Jihadism.
They told us that the soldiers who are not going into Gaza get antsy and want to do something. Many of them have gone to the evacuated communities to clean the houses. Many people were stuck in their safe rooms for up to 30 hours. I don’t need to give you the details about what they had to do in order to not leave the room. They went into those rooms and cleaned them. I could not help but compare that to the character of Hamas. I don’t think they care at all about the Palestinians. Whereas these Israeli men understand that serving is loving.
Adir explains how they have cleaned the homes of survivors.
It’s an honor to represent you here. Today, we were able to pray for several soldiers. I love hanging out with Robbie because he is a bold evangelist and has a lot of wisdom. When he asked the Jewish soldiers if he could pray, everyone eagerly said yes.
Remember, friends, the world is being tested, and most are failing. But I thank God that you are not! I thank you for your commitment to the people of Israel.
We are off to our last visit of the day right now. I’ll share more about that with you tomorrow! We love you!
