At 9:41pm last night, I got the official word that “my kids” were safe and sound in the States with their families. I breathed a deep sigh of relief and went to sleep. For the first time in a week, I didn’t awaken once. According to Apple Health, I got 8 hours.
With a strong coffee in hand, I read through all of the wonderful emails, posts, text messages, and other communiques I received in regard to the evacuation and homecoming of Jewish National Fund – USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel kids. I heard from so many grateful parents and complimentary friends. I’ve always loved the game of “six degrees of separation” and was overjoyed by the ways in which my personal and professional lives came together on FaceBook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Social media can truly be an amazing thing! It was a high school friend, MaryAnn D’Antono Uehlein, who sent a video of their arrival at Boston’s Logan Airport (click here).
I also took lots of time today to check on my family and friends in Israel. I was saddened to learn that Daniel Sheinkerman, a colleague in Issta Sport’s marketing department, went to that ill-fated party and died (z”l). Another colleague’s niece, Shir Hanna Georgy, still is in the clutches of Hamas with others who were kidnapped last Saturday. Thankfully, my nephew is doing as well as can be expected with his tank corps in the north.
As I write, the sirens continue non-stop tonight in the areas of Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Herzliya. It’s going to be a long, scary, sleepless night. It’s hard to believe that, just last Friday, I was out to dinner with family in Israel….fighting with my sister to let me pay the bill…..
Through Jewish Eyes 