Americans view terrorism with a much different eye than they did just nine months ago. The horrific images from New York and Washington, D.C., showed us how even the mightiest structures are vulnerable at the hands of those bent on destruction.
Now imagine witnessing such terrible images on a daily basis at your neighborhood food store, coffee shop, high school or bus stop. This is the reality of life in Israel today.
Israel has changed so dramatically over the past 21 months of the intifada that it can now be described as a nation under siege.
A recent conversation with Michal, my friend living in Or Yehuda, a suburb just east of Tel Aviv and Milwaukee’s Project Renewal community in the 1980s, details how her family now shops for groceries and other goods.
“I take advantage of Tele-Sol, calling the supermarket, placing an order and having the items delivered to my door by a familiar face. Clothing and cosmetics I order either on-line or through catalogues. There is nothing that I need to buy, no shopping mall that I need to patronize, that is worth risking my life or the lives of my children.”
The typical Israeli used to worry about a bank overdraft or the standing of Hapoel Jerusalem (a popular soccer team). Now they calculate the ratio of glass to concrete at the entrance of a shopping center and whether they can wait until they get home for a cold drink, instead of stopping at a snack stand.
There are even guidelines — a sort of urban folklore — on how to travel safely on city buses. “Wait for the bus on the other side of the street, not at the official stop.” “Sit in the back.” “Sit only in the front, next to the driver.” “Be prepared to jump on the terrorist.”
The national pastime used to be playing lotto, the weekly lottery drawing. That game of chance has now mutated into finding out if today is the day when terrorists will appear inside your child’s classroom.
Not too long ago, while watching live video coverage of an attack in Petach Tikva, I saw my cousin Ofer. He happens to live on the street where a homicide bomber massacred innocent men, women and children. Ofer’s two young daughters were spared from physical harm this time. But they will never again leave their house without knowing that their street was once ground zero.
Palestinian terrorism claims more than just the horrific loss of life. Israel’s economy is in a shambles, with tourism at an all-time low and foreign investments practically non-existent. Prices are rising at an alarming rate, recalling the days of triple-digit inflation.
Over 70 percent of hotel and restaurant employees have been laid off. These people no longer pay taxes, but instead collect unemployment compensation, further draining government coffers.
During a recent trip to Israel, I traveled from Jerusalem to Tiberias. What normally is a two-hour leisurely drive along the Jericho highway now takes nearly four hours, as security dictates that all travel be completed within the green line (pre-1967 borders).
The cost of this new self-imposed regulation exacts a great toll on the average Israeli. Think of it — travel time is doubled, fuel costs increase two-fold and the already congested Israeli roads are now expected to carry twice the traffic volume.
The daily challenge for Israelis is to maintain the “normalcy” of existence. They desire peace, but instead receive terror. They want their children to lead a more comfortable life than they did, but the reality for young people is anxiety and pessimism.
Americans are renowned for their caring and generosity in times of need. Unfortunately, those who reside here have acquired a better understanding of what life is like in Israel today. Now is the time for you to give me a call and ask me how you can help Israel during this time of crisis. I await your call.
Nir Barkin is the community shaliach and director of the Israel Resource Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. You can reach him at 414-390-5705.
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