There is just no other way!

Let me tell you a story. I went to visit my parents in Beer Sheva today. It takes about an hour to drive there. I got there at 12:45 pm. Said hi, kissed my parents and went to look what's cooking in my mom's pots.
Suddenly a siren started wailing. This has only one meaning for it these days for a million people in Israel. A missile is doing its way from Gaza in your direction. And you have to act fast.

My elderly parents already know the drill. They somehow dragged themselves to what we call a 'protected space', an inside room with heavy walls. 30 seconds passed. Then the dog started barking. We forgot him outside in the garden. My mom started for the door. "What are you doing?" I asked. "Going to bring Coco" she said. "Forget it" I said.

We listened together, trying to hear the fall. We couldn't. They said in the radio later that the missile fell in an open space.

Then we had 3 hours of quiet. There's a daily ceasefire between 1 and 4 pm when humanitarian aid is being delivered to Gaza.

This was my experience today, and I hold no grudge. I am not even trying to compare it to the living hell experienced by innocent civilians in Gaza. I can't even start to imagine what does it feel over there. And I don't wish any of you to ever know.

This is all so futile. My heart cries for all the people in Gaza strip that are suffering more than 2 weeks now death injury, pain, loss of relatives, friends and property and trauma that will never heal.

Today, I was convinced more than ever that we have no other way, but the peace way. We have to somehow reach for one another, heal each other wounds, gain a little trust and start a dialogue.

There is just no other way!

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Comment by annet maasland on January 15, 2009 at 11:57am: For 10 years ago I lived at a kibbutz in Israel for some months. It was before the second Intifada , so rather peacefull at that time.
I lived there with arabs , israeliens and nationalities from all over the world.
And we all had a great time , felt united , friendship and love was made for life .
I saw hope , expectations and so much capacity amongst young people.
It made me so happy , to feel and experience that all this was possible.
Now 10 years later so much has happened in the world , and I often cann't believe what I see in front off my TV.
Specially when something happens in Israel because I still feel connected to that country and all its people.
All this hope and positive energy I felt at that time , it still must be somewhere there. I can not believe that it all has gone.
You young ones outthere , it is your future , speak out don't let them distroy your beautifull land.
It has allways been a land off hope for so many of all origin and religion , we need such a place in the world , just to believe that it is possible to live next to eachother and respect that we are all a bit different though.
I keep hoping for better times , A new " Rabin " maybe , you need someone like that now there.Or do we have to put our hope on Obama and think " Yes he can " , but not alone , we all have to work together on this.
Shalom , Salam ,
Anna
Maybe we hav

Comment by Heather on January 15, 2009 at 10:07am: Thank you David. Your sisi from South Africa

Comment by Evi on January 15, 2009 at 9:27am: Dear David, thanks for sharing this story and this video clip.
I wish that Israel and Palestina would find a way to start a dialogue very soon. The only way out is PEACE.
I pray for you and your family, and for all families now suffering in the Middle East. I wish I could do more now but
if there should be anything for me to do, I will be there !
Love and peace, Evi

Comment by Eyal Raviv on January 15, 2009 at 9:13am: I heard the same siren, I was in class at BGU. Thank you for sharing

Comment by Elisabeth S. on January 15, 2009 at 8:57am: David, Pace è Salute!
Thank you for this wonderful song! Peace is a gift, some have it in their heart, some do not! Peace and non violent fight is the only answer! (and I know believe you me, Corsica is a restless island!) But until a man looks at his brother like if he was his enemy, Peace will still be budding! Peace is fragile like the first Spring bloom! We are all alike but different. And it is that difference that makes life so rich!
My wish for 2009 is that everyone suddenly hears what the others have to say with their heart, and respects and accepts their differences!
David, my thoughts are with you, and all who are dwelling in countries where only war thrives, and in particular in Gaza and Israel!
Amicizia
Elisabeth
"live more simply so others can simply live!" Gandhi

Comment by enrique mario fukman on January 15, 2009 at 8:02am: David: Te entiendo. Desde aquí, a más de 20000km de distancia de donde estás ahora, desde uno de los dos países más australes te digo, te entiendo.
Cotidianamente debato con mis amigos y compañeros, y trato que entiendan que lo único revolucionario y humanista que hay hoy en día en Medio Oriente es La Paz. Que si no se entiende que tus padres en Beer Sheva y los chicos de Gaza tienen el mismo derecho que es vivir en Paz, solo habrá más guerra, más muerte. Si las posturas y las propuestas no parten de estas dos realidades, de estos dos derechos, solo habrá más guerra, más muerte.
Quizás, estas líneas no tengan el glamour del pacifismo tradicional, pero ante la muerte solo vale militar por la vida, por La Paz
Quizás, en esas horas en el refugio de la casa de tus padres, con ellos entendiste al que vive en Gaza. Quizás en estas semanas el palestino que vive en la derruida Gaza te haya entendido. Si es así, La Paz está cercana. Sino, construyamos el camino.
Nuevamente te digo, desde el Sur del Planeta Tierra, te entiendo. Y gracias.
Enrique Mario Fukman

Comment by Neal Varrette on January 15, 2009 at 7:40am: There is a way my friend, the only I know. That is the God way, You must stay in Pray my friend. Iam sending you this pray.

When you have a setback , don't stepback; God is preparing you for an Ultimate Comeback.

Be Blessed my Friend

Comment by Muhamamd Moosa Rind on January 15, 2009 at 6:48am: Dear David,
It is remarkable step towards to understand war situation throught out your mouth. however, i think without understannd geo-war situation.. we could not move forward to will be taken step to peace and harmoney.
always share updating as your watching and as mother sharing you on phone/cell.

Comment by ken on January 15, 2009 at 6:47am: no

Comment by Wanda Palinkas on January 15, 2009 at 5:17am: That is truley beautiful. The message should be broadcast to everyone. Unfortunately this platform is not available to everyone. Is there any way you can put this on TV- onCNN or something????