Reality Check

OTZMA is doing an excellent job of making all of us feel safe, in fact, so much so that it is nearly impossible to believe all of the conflict and trauma we are hearing about is happening right next door. I do not have fear walking around and do not think about possible terrorist attacks, unless in an abstract sort of manner during discussions.

So you can imagine my shock and distress when our supervisor announced to us on the bus intercom, traveling to Be'er Sheva, that the central bus station had been bombed just a half an hour before. The whole group was stunned. This was not a far and removed action, this happened in the town we are going to be living in for the next three months. Our home continued...

We got more information on what happened. Turns out the bus driver was suspicious and did not let the man on the bus. He was removed from the bus station and blew himself up outside. No one was killed, and it was just the security guard who was injured.

The bombing has helped me to see an Israeli perspective first hand. For example, that afternoon when we arrived in Be'er Sheva, we traveled to the bus station. The sight was incredible to me. It was like NOTHING had happened. Buses were moving in and out. People were all over the place, talking, laughing, and just acting as they normally would. This was the same afternoon. In American, a bombing would cause complete chaos. Not only would the station be totally roped off and under investigation, but the whole town would probably shut down. Here in Israel, it was business as usual.

Another first hand perspective came from a women that came to speak with us about a volunteering option for our time here. During her talk, she mentioned the bombing and how it was bus number 9 and her bus driver that stopped the bomber from going on the bus. A hush went around our group when we heard that. Bus number 9? That was the bus we were told to take into town. It was our bus that was almost bombed! It was her bus! Everyone's stomach dropped at that news, but the women when on - oddly speaking very happily and excited about her next bus ride. She told us she could not wait to get on the bus again to give the driver a hug for saving the day! Can you imagine the individual sentiments from Americans? They might stop taking buses for the rest of their lives. The extreme difference in thought processing is very amazing.

As for me now, I am feeling better and a bit more aware, which is always a good thing. I am getting settled into my new apartment and will post about it next.

Shalom!
Jess