A very frank discussion from the Nefesh B'Nefesh Yahoo list, during October 2005.

Good morning everyone.
I am making Aliyah next year in September 2006.
One of the things that although not really bothering me, but
something I have been thinking more and more about since the attacks in Hadera last week is, when someone that has never lived in a country that has had so many problems with terror, is there any instruction or training on what to watch out for for us new people. You may ask, how can you train or instruct someone on what to look out for, who could be a potential suicide bomber etc, but there must be something that is taught to new people.
I have heard not to associate with large crowds like the one in
Hadera.
I know that this is a very touchy subject and I apologize in advance
if I offend anyone. However I think that it's important enough a
subject to talk about. Maybe other people making Aliyah or have made Aliyah have questions about this but are afraid to ask.
Thank you
Yosef Malone
Aliyah 2006
Columbus Ohio

The issue of "training" to be alert for terrorism is a good one. I am not aware of any, we certianly did not have any, but just use our common sense. (Of course there are those who'd say that if we had common sense we'd have never made aliyah.)

However, while it's no small issue, better to take a good defensive driving course. remember, there are more deaths on the road here than there are from terrorism, at least in an average year. To date, already over 500 in 2005 alone. It seems like we count these just as we measure the level of the kinneret as the rainy season begins.
may we be blessed in the future with abundant rains and an overflowing Kinneret, and traffic fatalities a fraction of what they are. Yes, and no terrorism would be a good thing too.

Jonathan Feldstein
Efrat
August 2004

yosef,
i understand your concerns and sympathize with you. i want to assure you that one thing is for sure. the security is better than any where else in the world. i visited israel for the fourth time before i made aliyah. on my way back to the states, i was in london
in the subway there and i was more frightened then than the whole time i was in israel. i told my friends all over the world it would be a matter of time before there was an attack in subway there.
israel wrote the book on security. and there will be another attack in the states eventually. it is a different world since 9/11, and i had a choice to stay in the states or move here. had i stayed in new orleans one more year, i would have nothing now. i
don't want to preach, but it isn't in our hands. what u can do is avoid crowds. i travel on the buses everyday in tel aviv, but in jerusalem i take a taxi and only with a jewish driver. there is more of a chance of getting in a car accident here than a bombing, G-d forbid. i don't live in a bubble either. i have traveled in all parts of israel.

rachel maybri
july 04

 

Been here in Bet Shemesh for 2+ years already, and hardly even think of the issue. If you think about it, the truth is that you live your life in a very confined territory. Your home is connected to your work by a narrow travel corridor, it becomes very familiar to you very quickly, you will develop a sense of what's normal and what's out of the ordinary very quickly. If you think about it, you
probably live 95% of your life within the same 1 square kilometer of
space. That's a small space and it all becomes very familiar very
quickly.
Statistically in the US you are probably more likely to Chas V'Shalom die in an auto-accident or to be murdered in a crime than to be near a terrorist incident here in Eretz Yisrael.

If you live in constant fear of dying then that really isn't living!
On the heels of the Yomim Noraim, keep in mind that you have a mission in life and in the end it's all in the hands of the big guy
upstairs - this is knowledge that will let you live in peace.

Hope to see you here soon!

Eric Polly
NBN Jul 03
Bet Shemesh

 

I took an excellent self-defense and self-protection course in the U.S. called IMPACT safety.( I am a nurse, and it is offen used for health professionals in hospitals, where the incidence of attack has increased) I found the things I learned in the course to be very valuable ,in the time since I ha ve taken it. It is a very specific course, I do not know anything about other courses, but I would recommend it if you live near a place where it is offered.. If you want more information, you are welcome to contact me.

Rachel REeder, MSN, MSW  NBN2003 Nof Ayalon

 

Yosef,
While it is a bit of a touchy subject, I think that it's great that you've asked the question.
I would have asked the same question on September 10, 2001, when America still thought that we weren't in the same boat fighting terrorism. When I was working in Midtown Manhattan on 9/11, I realized that that fantasy was no longer true.
I'm sure in the last 4 years you would have taken note of a man in a winter coat in August or someone lugging an unusually heavy bag on a bus or subway. This is true in New York, LA or Columbus, OH, and it is also true in Israel.
The overriding rules are probability and common sense.
The probability is simply that as atrocious as these attacks are they cannot control your life because they affect a more minute percentage of the population here that automobile accidents, and you wouldn't advocate refusing to drive. There is an unacceptable number of casualties, but you don't have to hide, or avoid public places, and more than you would avoid cars. Remember that a headline is news because it deviates from the norm. You'll see a headline that says 5 people were killed in the shuk in hadera. You'll never see a headline that says "No bus blew up today in Tel Aviv! 3 Millionth consecutive bus completes its route without terrorist incident."

Common sense is, well, COMMON SENSE! You'll know when you see something out of place. If you do, remove yourself from the situation, ie, exit the bus or move away from the suspicious person, and find or call a policeman who in this country will actually quickly respond to such a report.
I hope this makes you feel a little bit more secure here. Just remember the security in America and Israel are not too different.

-Noach Roth Brooklyn --> Bet Shemesh NBN '03

 

Hi Yosef,
Your question is legitimate but it will become irrelevant once you start living here in Israel. What do I mean?
Terror is not part of daily life here. True, it strikes more often than in other countries and you never know when it will hit. But once you move here and start living your daily life, you'll find that
suicide bombers are the farthest thing from your mind. Tens (or maybe even hundreds) of thousands of Israelis ride buses every day - how many of them scan every passenger for fear that it may be a terrorist? Virtually none. I ride buses almost every day and I
certainly don't.
When you make aliyah you'll be amazed at how Israelis go about their daily lives in such a normal fashion. People go to work, to school, to the malls, and to restaurants and never think twice about the "threat." For an American watching the news from afar this may sound reckless and illogical, but I assure you that once you get here you won't be avoiding large crowds and examining the eyes of every person you pass in streets.
Chaim Leichman
Teaneck -> J-lem, Aug 05

 

I feel the need to add my 2 cents in, as well, to this important topic. As others have noted, listening to the media makes it sound as if terrorism is occurring here in Israel every 5 seconds, but those already living here can testify that though it does happen occasionally, it's not as often as some make it sound and people go about their daily lives just the same. More importantly, the best thing we can do to feel at ease is to stick together!
Look at how many of us have already made aliyah (kol hakavod!) and how many are G-D willing coming this year. Look at how many NBN'ers have come & are still coming! That ought to strengthen all of us.
Chaya
NBN Sept. '05
Texas -> Modi'in

 

I read with interest the almost universal replies to your question, such as; "there are less attacts than what appears from the media", "stay out of crowded places", "life goes on as normal", "believe in G-d".
I would like to add some points to the above. I believe alot of "how to deal with terrorism" in Israel has to do with the choices you make once you live here. Firstly, if you travel by car the issue of "terrorism" lessons greatly. You are exposed to much less people and situations in which a terror attack might strike. For those of us without cars, we might make other choices. For example, I ride the Ramat Bet Shemesh bus to and from work in Jerusalem every day. I don't think much about it because generally, like 99.999% of the time only "locals" are on the bus. However, once I am in Jerusalem I only walk A LOT and miles, or, if some place is really too far, I take a cab. On the rare occasion that I take a Jerusalem bus, I am one of those people who sit up front and watch everyone who gets on. What am I looking for? (in answer to your original question) 1. arabs who are over dressed in the summer (now that it's winter-an added problem) 2. or who look very nervous, perhaps sweating profusely 3. strange behavior since it is known that often the terrorists are drugged in order to follow through with their acts.

I can tell you that it becomes increasingly more difficult to tell arab from Israeli these days for a wide range of reasons that I won't post here. Someone posted that they only ride in cabs with Jewish drivers. I prefer that as well but I would give anyone a "yasher koach" who is able to spot on the spur of the moment who is who and if they are that good at spotting an arab driver are they also able to wave him on? However, since a large chunk of Jerusalem cab drivers are arab, once I am in a cab, I do immediately look at the name on the card directly behind the driver to know who I'm traveling with.

The suggestion to "stay out of crowds" is another area of personal choice. Had I chosen to "stay out of crowds" I would not have gone to protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, more than 150,000 strong, spent time in Hebron Chol HaMoed, or joined with 250,000 of my bretheren in prayer at the kotel-which was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. "Not being in crowds" can take away your connection to "being one with clal Israel in Eretz Yisrael", again, a personal choice.

Another aspect of making choices once you live here is to choose how much you expose yourself to the media and to truly acclimate to Israeli society. Many Anglos choose to live in mostly Anglo communities and have little contact with Israelis, the army, and the media. Therefore, their sense of "safety and calm" is much higher than someone who is integrated in the society and follows the media.

We lived in Kiryat Arba the first 2 years after aliya and now live in Ramat Bet Shemesh. For people who are more integrated into Israeli society, exposure to terrorism is much more personal and "part of life here". There is no "6 degrees of separation" in these circles. EVERYBODY either was in a terrorist attack, personally knows someone who was in an attack, or knows someone who personally knows someone in an attack. My son's bus had a bomb go off underneath it on his way back to school one evening. Baruch HaShem, nobody was hurt but the noise was deafening, the bus filled with smoke, and he observed many, including soldiers, go into shock. This past June, my son's 16 year old close friend was shot in the head by drive by terrorists while he was hitchhiking to do volunteer work. One could say, "well don't hitch hike", however, depending where you choose to live, hitch hiking is a way of life because of the extremely limited bus service. This boys photos cover my son's bedroom wall. A well known and respected psychologist, Chezy Goldberg, was murdered while traveling on the 19 bus in Jerusalem. We knew him as well. I had just arrived in Jerusalem when the bombing occurred. When I got off the bus EVERYONE I saw was talking on their cell phones. I KNEW there must have been an attack.
Someone else more culturally sheltered might have not even noticed. These are just 3 of endless stories I have personally experienced in the 3 years we've been in Israel. However, like I said, your average Anglo ole won't tell you the same because of the choices they have made regarding their aliya.

Naive and sheltered is certainly an easier choice than knowledgeable and integrated when one moves here. But, everyone has to make their own choices in this regard.

Day to day life does go on here amazing well. It is a merit and bracha to live in the generation when aliya is possible and relatively easy. I bless you with a successful aliya and with clarity to make the right choices for you and your family.

Regards, Tsivya Fox-first NBN flight, Far Rockaway>Kiryat Arba>Ramat Bet Shemesh

 

Dear Yosef,
I just wanted to add my two cents to your post. Our family made aliyah a little over a year ago from Baltimore. The events of 9/11 had a very profound effect on us, but maybe that's because we lived on the East Coast.

You certainly have identified an issue that is a legitimate concern, but one that can be viewed from many different perspectives. One of the things that I do in my spare time is to work as a volunteer police officer here in Modiin. I am happy to inform you that today, I spent most of my time working on regular, good 'ol traditional police work. This involved dealing with an accused thief, writing tickets for drivers not wearing seat belts, and eating donuts (just
joking, Israeli cops don't eat donuts they eat cheese cake!). Unfortunately, as has been noted already, it is far more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than a terror incident. At least one person has already died today in an accident.

From the perspective of being a parent of three children I would be lying if I didn't say that I am concerned about my kids safety. However, my kids are much more independent than they ever were back in Baltimore, where a police helicopter flew over my house almost every day.

As a concerned citizen of this country, I have an active interest in policy decisions that the government makes and the potential effect that they may or may not have on increased terror attacks.

However, as an overall rule, what has made this country so great is the determination and resilience of the Jewish people. We can not allow ourselves to be intimidated and our lives dominated with the fear of terror, otherwise we allow the terrorists to win. In Modiin, we live next to highway 443, which has seen it's share of excitement. Long ago, we decided that we would take this road
no matter what time of day or night. We know that G-d is constantly looking out for all of us and He has blessed us with the best security forces in the world.

So now that you've gotten that off of your chest, get back to worrying about the issues most people are concerned about when making aliyah, like whether to buy appliances in the States or in Israel. Best of luck.

Elliot Cahan NBN2003

 

I lived in Hadera for 5months this year while i was in ulpan akiva in netanya. there was an attack in netanya then too , and i was at a friend in netanya when it happpened. I walked by the mall where the attack was twice a week befor and after. i used to go to the shuk in hadera too, almost every week. if i still lived there i would still be going.

I ride egged or whoever everywhere. some of my friends tell me that they are safer in a car. i really do not think that they are, esp when i see Israeli drivers. they make new yorkers look calm and friendly. Also, there have been plenty of attacks on cars as well, but since its usually only one or 2 casualties, they do not make it onto the front pages for all to notice.

I believe that when its your time you go. I cannot plan for every possibility, even those i know about, so worrying about things i cannot change are of no use. remember the saying/prayer: G-d grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannnot change, the courage to change the things i can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 
apologies if i quoted that wrong & I have no idea who wrote it (prob not even jewish) but it fits into my emunah sustem pretty well.

I am working on the the things i think i can change to make the world a better place and leave the amount of time I have up to hashem.

As for "training": NEVER pick up an object of any size, including a ball point pen that you do not KNOW is yours! They used to rig pens as explosives. NEVER leave your suitcase, packpack or purse unattended, even for half a minute or to go the bathroom. It WILL be assumed to be a "hefetz Chashud" (suspicious object) and if it IS there when you get back, you will be most embarrassed at the least
& in possible trouble depending on how far the police close the police got to blowing up your bag/emptying out the office/station etc while trying to locate the owner of the bag. I have seen several back packs blown up because they were accidentally left on busses or elsewhere. If you see an object or bag sit unattended for longer than a minute TELL someone. There are now security people at most bus stops, and on most busses when they pull in. if you dont see any one after 5 min, either tell a bus driver or calll/have someone dial the police and report the object. When traveling take as little as possible, so there is less to remember, and try to leave early so you are not stressed out trying to get thru the long security lines in and out of the bus stations.

Other than that, enjoy life here in clean parks, free of drug needles and addicts, (mostly) clean of doggy doo, and listen the cats sing outside your window every night! sigh!
SHIRA STEPANSKY DEC 04

 

my two cents on living with the reality of terrorism. First, it is such a good question. I had the same questions and moved here in spite of the very real fear I felt at the time.

In the US, I was very aware of other kinds of dangers. When in the US, I did feel pretty uncomfortable around certain groups of teens in the streets. Here, I see groups of teens on the streets (army) and feel safer. In general I actually feel safer here than in the US. I know that Israel knows security, they are not monkeying around on this one. On some level there is always an antenna up, but as a woman, that's something I've developed anyway. As a mom, I'm always on the lookout to make sure my kids are safe, from traffic etc. I feel like here, I'm not the only one looking out for my kids' safety.
One of the things that was striking for me: When we moved here my son, then nine, who is very personable, used to go up to teenaged young men in the mall and just say, "ma shlomcha?" (it was one of the few lines he knew at the time, he's fluent today). Now in the US, he had some guys like this age that he used to climb on during a Shabbos when we'd see friends of the family. What was amazing to me was that no one ever seemed annoyed or bothered, they ALL smiled at him (kippah or no) with his kippah and payot, and smiled, "ma inyanim". It was so curious to me how strangers would treat him with such affection! It took me a while to consider that perhaps each one of those young men was either in or before or after army service. Each one knew that they were in service (or would be) to protect the beautiful children of this country.
I see this in the neighborhood I live in too. He's actually been roughed up a bit by this one big boy. I was very disturbed at first, but after my husband watched them for a bit we came to see that they have a brotherly kind of relationship (and my son usually deserves it!). I hope this makes sense.
On the other hand, while we're on the subject of being safe in this
world, I wish every Jew was awake enough to realize that Jews have never been safer since we had a Jewish army during the time of the Beit Hamikdash. Jews in the whole world are defended by the Israeli army's existence. Jews in the US did not have the freedom and acceptance that they do today in the 1940's. (we lived in a neighborhood in Denver where the CCR's included very clearly that Jews and Negroes were not allowed to live there unless they were live in help). Medical schools did not allow Jews or had a quota, and hospitals would not allow Jewish doctors (the reason for Jewish hospitals).
Sorry if I'm off on a tangent, but it's also important to get the
perspective about what it is to be here, in a Jewish state. Even with all its many and difficult flaws.
So, my advice is: Come home. Enjoy the blessing of being home. A rav I know calls this the "land of the living". One man I know says that "in the chutz l'aretz you're on the bench, in Israel, you're in the game." Once you're here, it doesn't feel the same as looking in from the outside, in lots of ways.
May we all live a life that keeps us safe in body and spirit. best,
Laya     Denver ----> Tzfat 03