Yesterday, 23/9, was the start of the bombardment on the Lower Galilee and the Jezreel Valley. Up until now, the areas hardest hit have been the Upper Galilee and the Golan, but now Hezbollah are casting a wider net. I don’t mean to sound alarmist — we are fine — but adjusting to this new reality as a farming family is, in our case, a bird of a different feather.
When there is an azakah (the siren which alerts people to enter their safe rooms or public shelters), generally people are already in buildings or close to buildings (or in their vehicles, where the instructions are to pull off the road, exit the vehicle, move some distance away and lay down on the ground). Very few are on tractors. But yesterday, while the rest of us were in the house, Ira was out doing what he does, happily oblivious.
He took a video after realizing what was going on:
Today was a different story entirely. We were all in close proximity to the house when an azakah sounded. From our safe room, we heard some staccato booms, and then one very loud one. Here’s Ira’s report upon going out to investigate:
There’s around a 300m distance between the missile impact and our house.
Ira surveys the damage to the fence. (For reference, the olive grove is fenced in so the poultry can freely roam around. Ira is standing at the northeast corner, outside of the fence.)
Later on, upon further investigation inside the olive grove, the damage was more extensive than we had first thought:
A very pensive-looking pipe, unhappy to have been damaged by shrapnel:
Speaking of shrapnel — don’t touch anything in the field without clearance, obviously. These were shards that show Hezbollah pack missiles with shot for maximum damage:
Do not fear for us. We wouldn’t trade places with anyone else in the world. It remains our absolute privilege and blessing to live where we do, as proud Jews in our land. We pray together with all good people of the world for a complete annihilation of our enemies, and for the good that Israel represents to triumph over the evil of Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, and their depraved supporters.
Kol ha Kavod to you, your wife and the entire mishpacha. What you are doing is magnificent and we continue to wish you more mazal and pray for your continued safety. Can’t wait for the opportunity to visit your home and farm !
Dear Family,
I am so happy you are all unharmed after this harrowing experience.
Such a sad situation. My heart breaks each day as I read the news of the utter unrest and injury to so many.
My hope is that the beginning of this holy season of reflection brings peaceful change for all
Love you. Aunt Ronnie
Holy (and holey) %^&*%!
Do you think Nasrallah has you and Ira on their list?
Why would they aim for Sde Ilan??
Ira, you, Tamar and the family are in our thoughts daily. We pray that peace will come soon. Stay safe. 💜
Thinking of you Ira and family. It is an absolute miracle the damage was not greater 🙏🫶. Our hearts go out to you and your family and all those who live in Eretz Yisrael. 🇮🇱
jeepers!!!!
loved the last paragraph, we definitely need to focus on the brachot we have here, and the privilege we enjoy! shana tova!
I was thinking of your family today when I saw Sde Ilan was listed with sirens. Stay safe and I hope the damage is easily fixed.
Thinking about you guys, very sad to to this. Sending you comfort and safety.
ברוך השם that you are all OK. So sorry for the damage to the farm. Stay safe, guys. Ira, Tamar, and the whole family, you’re heros!
Daily miracles before our eyes! You and your family were the recipients of divine protection. May all of Am Yisrael continue to be zoche for whatever is needed. May our enemies surrender!
So glad we didn’t “drop in” yesterday. Glad you guys are ok, B”H. But what about the turkeys?
They had a VERY close call. THe missile fell only about 80 meters from where they like to hang out. Our guard dog who lives out there with the birds appears to be traumatized (understandably so).
Thinking and praying for you. We are beyond proud of you and you family. ✡️🇮🇱✡️🇮🇱❤️