Normal Life in Gaza

“Normal Life in Gaza”

An Open Letter to Ms. Sara Bailey,
Al Mezan Human Rights Media Contact
sarab@mezan.org

Dear Ms. Bailey,

Since I am a web-writer I randomly surf the Internet sources “on other side of the barricades” in order to see what is written on our “bad boys” (by the way, my junior son, as a reserve soldier, was among them!).

I would not dare to say that it is not legitimate to describe sufferings of mere civilians during the turmoil of the war. However, I feel like asking you, Ms. Bailey, whether you would publish my testimonies, or testimonies of my countrymen who happened to be “on the other side of the barricades”…

But, even prior to getting that permission from you, I wish I could express my own signs of emotions on that ordinary Saturday, December 27, 2008.

I was pretty much relaxed that day sitting in front of my computer dressed in my gown and writing an open letter to the top of the Israeli establishment.

I was addressing each and every political leader in trial to show him or her how I see the chances to win the parliamentary elections that seemed still far away on the horizon. I have made an attempt to show those politicians how worth they were from a perspective of a layman who does not belong to any political party.

Now, looking back to that sort of analysis, I feel extremely proud of myself as I forecasted the failure of both the Israeli Labors and Kadima Party.

However, when I heard the siren I had a feeling that the system went wrong. And then it all started. The same day I learned blood freezing news that a woman was killed and her sister was injured when a rocket exploded nearby. Those were first, unfortunately, not last victims of the rocket launch on a peaceful city of Ashdod.

And when the kids had been deprived of their right to attend schools and kindergartens for a while and two rockets had hit empty kindergarten facilities in various city areas…

Doesn’t it seem a horrifying experience?

I might have given tens of other evidences no less thrilling or devastating then those appeared in your publication.

Even when the Cast Lead Operation was already over and the then-Israeli Prime Minister and the Defense Minister were hard to find words to appreciate one another’s role, we have had another traumatic experience when a rocket exploded not too far from the place of our residence and blinded a part of the area.

And, finally, I assure you: life will never ever be back to normal in Gaza, unless Israel is fully and completely secure!

Thank you for your patience.

I am,

Sincerely yours
Z.V.