A few kilometers from gaza

Today we experienced the south west of israel, communities close to gaza. We began at Netivot and heard from the leadership of the Ethiopian traditional synagogue where we were blessed by them the we heard the story of of the widow of siyum Tsagay- who was one of 40+ firefighters sent to rescue Palestinian prisoners from the Carmel fires of 2010. The bus became engulfed in flames and they all died there.

She spoke of her shock and of the worst difficulty she has explaining to her three children why their father will never come back and kiss them goodbye

We then visited kibbutz Alumim a modern orthodox kibbutz that has taken many Kassam rockets over the years - so many that some residents have made artful use of the metal that has rained down on their community.

Among the many lawn ornaments, is something with more function. The man who took rocket parts and discarded old piping from the milking machinery and fashioned a wind chime stated that he hopes every time the wind blows, the sound of the ringing chimes will reach the people of Gaza. The ultimate fulfillment of his dream will come when these tones will successfully communicate the sole intention they have of peace.

Next we were brought to the kibbutz youth 'elephant library' where we were treated to a play acted out by the kibbutz children. The play is based upon a book written by a kibbutz member titled 'tzeva Adom' the color red. When the sirens sound warning of incoming missiles and the need to move a s quickly as possible to the comb shelter it is called 'color red' as we would say 'code red'. It seems that children began to be afraid of the color red and the rest can be read on the copy unpicked and will soon reside in my synagogue library.

Then it was back to Netivot where we were treated to performances and delicacies as well as local artisans selling wares and a feast and mizrachi/rock fusion concert.