Shalom Friends,
Today at 11 AM began a massive rocket attack on northern Israel. Cities throughout the northern region, including Haifa, Afula and Zichron Ya'aakov, were targeted incessantly by dozens of missiles. By 6 PM 170 missile hits were counted. The missiles can fall at any time, in any place. Drivers on the open road are at gravest danger, with no building around and nowhere to hide in case of a rocket attack. Many drivers have grown accustomed to special driving procedures for day time, such as staying only in the right lane, searching the road ahead for potential hiding places in case of need.
At lunchtime today I decided to go out and get something to eat. Orit, my assistant, joined me. Driving from our office in Givat HaMoreh to downtown Afula I said to her that I hope no missiles hit while we are on the road since the way is mostly empty of buildings, and that it would be best to eat at the mall where they have safe areas if needed. We reached the Afula mall and I asked the guard at the door where the safe areas are located. She pointed us in that direction, and as we walked in we heard that there was a specific immediate warning of a suicide bomber heading to the vicinity of the mall. 5 seconds later the air raid sirens sounded. We quickly ran with everyone else toward the safe area, since we know that we only have about 30 seconds until the missiles hit. After about 20 seconds we heard several blasts and the ground shook. We later found out that 6 long-range missiles with 100 kg war heads fell in our area, thankfully in open fields.
When we returned to the office I found out that Haifa, where I live, was hit as well by a similar missile, which fell in the downtown area. My son called to say he was okay, since he was in the area were the blast occurred.
Now I am trying to decide at what time and by which route I should leave the office to go home, in order to minimize the risk.
Another "routine" day in times of war. This is the way 1 million people in Israel live their lives these days.
Eshel