by Jessica Katz, former JFGA Director of Business & Professionals Philanthropy 

Five months ago, I decided to follow my heart and make Aliyah. After thirteen visits, including a semester studying abroad, I felt it was time to make the big move. For a while, life in Tel Aviv was even better than I had imagined, but then it changed overnight. I never expected sheltered Tel Aviv to be impacted by Hamas rockets fired from Gaza. I went from going out during the day exploring the city to being stuck at home and venturing out only when necessary.

While walking to my Ulpan class or to the grocery store, I was more aware of my surroundings. I would find a high wall to run up to or a stairwell to run into in case the siren went off. We even had to rearrange the desks in our Ulpan classroom so that we had a safe space against the inside wall (which we used a couple of times). I sat through three weeks of Shabbat meals that were interrupted by sirens. I never had to jump up from the table and run to a safe space during any meals back home in Atlanta.

As I waited in the safest area after each siren went off, I would wait for the big explosion. You always knew it was coming (“did you hear the boom?” became a popular phrase in Israel) and could judge from the sound just how close it was. There is an Iron Dome station not too far from where I live and many explosions felt like they were right outside my window. Some rocket interceptions were just outside and I could see the path of the Iron Dome missiles and the interception point – and feel the building shake. I am so grateful for this technology, and I know things would be very different without it.

As ceasefires begin to hold, life is slowly starting to return to normal. More people are going out to eat now and walking down the streets. When I hear an emergency vehicle’s siren, I definitely stop for a minute. Sometimes motorcycles make a similar sound and you can see people flinch. It will take time, but eventually all our days will be free of interruptions.

During this time, I watched the news regularly and read the newspaper each morning. I was in constant contact with family and friends back home in the US to assure them I was okay and to update them on what was really happening here. I always thought I understood what Israelis were going through when I would watch the news in the US, but you do not know until you are here and living it. I am living it now and I would not have it any other way. I am thankful for everyone’s support. I am proud to be an Israeli citizen, but Atlanta is always in my heart.

Jessica Katz is formerly the Director of Business & Professionals Philanthropy at Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta now living in Israel. This is a perfect example of why Israel needs our support. You can make a difference by making a donation to the Stop the Sirens/We Stand With Israel Campaign to ensure the future of Israel and the people who live there.