31.12.2008

As I've received several emails from friends and family inquiring about the state of things here in Be'er Sheva, I thought I'd make the announcement that we are safe and fully prepared should a rocket or missile strike in our area of the city. We have three options for places to stay, including two right here in our own building and one about ten feet from the building that holds up to 100 people. All schools and universities are closed, but all pharmacies, hospitals, and supermarkets are, by law, open. IDF officials are able to figure out when and where the rockets are coming from in Gaza and are informing city officials, who then sound a siren that is heard throughout the entire city. If things should get much worse, we'll pack up some things, including little Winnie, and head to Avi's sister's home in Tel Aviv. And so all in all, we're alright! And in typical Israeli fashion, we've even managed to make friends with other tenants in the building during the 20-minute periods spent in the shelter. And as all of these new friends have joked, I'm officially an Israeli now. Don't I get a hat or something?

Happy New Year and be in touch!