By Shalev Habaz, Shaliach to Mosh 2023

I woke up in the morning to the sound of missile strikes in my city of Lod. Quickly, I found myself on my way to a base near Jerusalem with a large bag into which I packed everything I thought would be useful and/or help me stay sane. While preparing to leave for military missions, putting together my combat gear and medical supplies (my role is a combat medic, meaning I'm a fighter who can also provide medical assistance in the field) from ranges, I felt detached, completely disconnected. I suppressed all emotions, I learned to put them to the side so I could manage to act.

By Sam Edelman, HDNA Boger, member of Dror Educational Orchards tzevet on Ravid

I want you to understand what this does to a person. I want you to understand what this does to a person like me. I’m not a violent person. I’ve never been in a fist fight, much less held a gun. I think the people who know me best would describe me as patient, understanding, thoughtful, and caring. I’m an idealist. I believe in peace, justice, and self-determination for all peoples. I have long dreamt of a world in which a Palestinian state exists side by side with Israel not just without violence, but in active partnership and solidarity. I have tried, in my own small ways, to do what I can to make such a world possible. 

By Ruth Stevens, HDNA Bogeret, outgoing rakezet of Hechalutz

On Thursday night my little brother George celebrated his 36th birthday at his apartment in Sderot. My partner and I brought our two sons, my mother came, and George’s partner of course, and a few close friends. We played with my beautiful 1-year-old nephew, we drank IPAs, they had steaks and I had grilled haloumi.