LIFE GOES ON IN BEIT SHEAN
by Noa Malkiman Aker, Jewish Agency Beit Shean - Cleveland Partnership Manager

As the US prepared to eradicate weapons of mass destruction from Iraq, Israelis were instructed to brace themselves for chemical and biological warheads courtesy of Saddam. Noar Lenoar did their bit to secure a safe haven for Partnership 2000 Beit Shean - Cleveland.

Dear Friends Shalom,

These days are quite strange. On one hand, we were instructed to prepare ourselves by arranging safety and sealed rooms, to try on our gas masks and to have them with us at all times, wherever we go. On the other hand, we have been told that the chance of anything happening in Israel during this war is slim. These directives are confusing and leave me feeling a bit indifferent toward the situation. I find myself listening to the radio more than usual, but I don’t take my gas mask with me and I haven't created a sealed safe room in my house. But, this is only me.

As for the rest of the people in Israel, especially in areas that were bombed during the last Gulf War, there are more fears and preoccupation with the situation. Almost every family with children has prepared a sealed room. Adults have their gas masks in the car, some bring them to their offices as well. Every day I see kids going to school carrying their masks - a sad mandatory during this time.

At Beit Cleveland the impact of the situation becomes more of a reality for me. As we take in every new Argentinean immigrant family, we become responsible for their lives. It is up to us to make sure that they understand the situation, are prepared and in control. We had a special informational workshop dealing with the current situation which was presented in their mother tongue. We are worried about our new "family" and want them to be well. We have created a safe room at Beit Cleveland- we hope we'll never have to use.

We think a lot about how the American soldiers feel. How they feel fighting so far away from their home land. Do they think this is really their war to fight? They are in our thoughts and hearts each day. We support them and stand by them as our own.

We hear from Israeli radio that the coalition forces are pushing on with great motivation. For this, we are proud. We all hope the war will end soon with few, although too many, losses. I wish us all peace and quiet.

Adar Bet 5763 - March 2003