As An Israeli Mother

Batya Medad
Shilo Musings

There are Jews all over the world who rationalize, excuse their not moving to Israel, because they're worried about their children, especially their sons. They're afraid of army service in the IDF, Tzahal, the Israeli Defense Forces.

My sons served in combat units, frontline of course, in the army. I was proud and scared, but I've also been afraid of other dangers. There are dangers our kids face, no matter where they're living.

As hard as we try, we can't protect our children from illnesses, accidents or their own foolishness.

When my sons were growing up, I was no stranger to the Emergency Room. I even had to take my daughters there on occasion.

The most seriously ill was my youngest at the age of two weeks. That was one of those "nobody's fault" life-threatening situations which could happen any place to anyone. My Shiloh neighbors helped enormously for the six weeks we were in Shaare Tzedek Hospital. I can't imagine any community any place in the world doing more for a young family with four other kids.

Then a few years later, my other son was hit by a small truck when on his bike, and we had four weeks total in Hadassa Ein Kerem and Alyn Children's Orthopedic Hospital. Until my son was back on two feet sans crutches, a few months later, my neighbors were great.

Those things can happen any place to anybody. According to statistics, most accidents happen at home or nearby.

For two years simultaneously (of the three years each) my two sons were both serving in the army. I can't say that I didn't worry, because I always worry. I worry about them crossing the street.

I worried the most when my elder son took a post army trek to South America. Then I was worried sick.

And now, a young man from Maale Levona is missing in India. Search parties have been sent from Israel. Please pray for the safe return of:

Amichai ben Dvora

And accidents are a serious danger, too. There was one the other day in Shiloh to a young teen. Please pray for a refuah shleimah, complete recovery for:

Yisrael Or ben Tova

Thank you
.