As we look at how the recent terror attacks against Israel are impacting the community, local resident Shimon Metz tells us how he learned of the violence during the Simchat Torah holiday and shares his concerns about his daughter, Jo, who grew up here and now lives in Jerusalem.
Via email, Jo Metz shared some of her thoughts with Echo about the current situation:
West Hempstead Echo: Do you feel safe?
Jo Metz: Yes and No. Yes in the sense that I know Israel has one of the strongest armies in the world and I trust the spirit and ferocity of my people and No in that I am human, and it is human to be afraid.
WHE: Do I expect to be called up?
JM: Yes. I am in close contact with a good friend of mine from training. She is now a commander in the unit I used to serve in because she signed extra time in the army. She is helping me.
WHE: How did youfirst learn about the attacks?
JM: I first heard about what was going on when I woke up to sirens at 6:30 in the morning. I was staying at a friend’s house for the weekend when we all three woke up to sirens but by the time we stirred the sirens had stopped. An hour later I received a phone call from my mother saying terrorists had entered Israel from Gaza. I thought it was something minor. In my service I had been used to entries of one or two people across the border. One of my friend’s woke up and we turned on the news. Only then did we realize the gravity and severity of what was happening. It was not 1 or 2 people. It was hundreds.
WHE: Do you plan to stay in Israel?
JM: Not even a question. Without a doubt I will stay here and help anyway I can. If everyone had the attitude of running away, Israel would cease to exist.
Growing up in West Hempstead meant growing up in a modern Orthodox community. It meant religious school, religious camp. I went to Moshava IO where Zionism is ingrained in you from the minute you set foot on the ground. Being in West Hempstead in a Jewish community allowed me to make Zionist connections.
I have absolutely no idea how this will play out in the coming weeks. I pray this ends quickly with minimal lives lost. However I can tell you how it will end: Israel will emerge victorious. We have no other choice.
WHE: Have you heard from friends in West Hempstead?
JM: I have indeed heard from a few of my old friends. In times like these you really see who has your back and who cares about you and it is always nice to know.
My message to supporters in West Hempstead and elsewhere is this: 1) Don’t be afraid. Fear overestimates the problem and underestimates your ability to handle it. The Jewish people are strong and there is strength in numbers. Stick to each other and lean on each other. Be safe and careful, but don’t be afraid. 2) Fundraise! Get donations! There are plenty of places to donate to in Israel. Food banks, homeless shelters, and most importantly, our soldiers. Almost a million people have been called to serve and there is a shortage of good quality military gear. If you want an active part in keeping Israel safe, save the lives of our soldiers and find a way to get the gear into Israel and through customs. Make sure you have the proper paperwork so the work you put in is not too difficult. 3) Speak out! The only thing required for the success of evil is for men to stand by and do nothing! Silence is complicity! 4) Most importantly, don’t let this become a footnote in your lives. Teach this in your classrooms, remember it, don’t look away. The horrors you see are affecting real people. Never Again is now. Don’t forget what happened here.
