Update from Ashdod

Yesterday morning we heard a couple of warning sirens that signal incoming rockets. They are from a detection point on the Gaza border that detects a general heading. It’s a gross warning for large areas. With our distance from Gaza we have 50-60 seconds to get to a safe room if we were to be hit. I can’t really confirm how close rockets have come to our home as they don’t publish exact locations. Publishing that info would provide feedback to Hamas and they could make adjustments to their targeting practice. The problem is we live in a new neighborhood and I can only hear the alarm if outside and there is not a lot of background construction noise. Also the sound of the rocket hits can carry quite a distance or be confused with other noises. It is impossible to really know the true reality of how much or how close.

Overall the situation is far from ideal. It does make me worry but not enough for us to leave the house and take a hotel in Tel Aviv yet. Work is supportive of us here on relocation and will move us out of the danger area temporarily or permanently if we choose. Each person makes their own decision based on their own comfort level. Work will pick up the bill for the hotel if we want to get out of Ashdod.

Here is some more of my own political commentary on the situation. Hamas fires regular rockets at Israel with no regard and targets civilians as there are few military targets in their range and limited ability to aim their rockets. Hamas fires rockets at Israel cities. Hamas also make regular practice of placing their military in the middle of civilian areas to use civilians as shields within Gaza. Israel has turned the other cheek for about a year with limited response to Hamas rockets. Israel turned over the territory of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority but Hamas is not content with what they have and continue to attack Israel. It also seems that the citizens of Gaza support Hamas. As long as Hamas is hostile to Israel it’s impossible to imagine how a true truce between the two will be found. Yet I hope it is resolved quickly. I think at this point though as long as Hamas fires rockets at Israel there will continue to be heavy retaliation by Israel. It seems like the world press makes it sound like Israel started this or is careless with their attacks. But they are fully aware of the negative press they receive from any attack on Gaza and they waited a long time before responding. In the end I don’t make policy or take any decisions, I’m only an observer who is close to the action. I’m not anti anyone and don’t want any fighting or war. One of the great founding principles of the US constitution is freedom of religion. If only everyone could accept and respect others choices life would be much easier.

OK, now its time to go outside and play. Everett has brought me his jacket. Now he has thrown his shoes at me. No pictures this week as momma took the camera to Croatia. We are getting by with her gone and the kids don’t seem to have suffered any significant physical or mental trauma while in my care.