FlyerTalk Forums - War in Israel -- again.

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- - War in Israel -- again. (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/2137653-war-israel-again.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbiflyer (Post 35652835)

Stay safe.
Dumb question, what is their reasoning for evacuating the northern border when the fighting is in the south? Are they worried about attacks from other countries? And are they evacuating all border areas?

I would think due to the threat from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedehans (Post 35652392)

Oh no!
Praying for your safety Dov....you and family be careful. The news coming our way is not good and I guess a few airlines are evacuating people. Read over your 2006 report and guess I am glad Dementia not with you this time....or is she? Wherever I hope she is safe and well too.

Chaya (her real name -- I never referred to her as "Dementia" anywhere except on FT) passed away in 2018. She was 65-years-old and the hospital initially diagnosed her as having pneumonia. A few days later, when there was no improvement despite the antibiotics, a further test showed she had cancer, and three days later she died. While she was not a famous person, she was well-known and liked in our immediate area. Her funeral was attended not only by Jews but also by Christian and Muslim Arabs.

I am sorry to hear this. You and family obviously loved her a lot. Thanks to responding to my reference. RIP Chaya.

I hope everyone is safe and wishing peace to the area.

Thank you [MENTION=22696]Dovster[/MENTION] for starting this thread. Stay safe.
[MENTION=81277]Mrp Alert[/MENTION] - stay safe and thank you for the updates.

Keeping you and the whole region in my thoughts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrp Alert (Post 35650881)

We are presently deciding what to do as it is one of our most difficult situations we have ever faced. Last two conflicts, my wife was ready to turn around and head back to USA when I reminded her that this was our home. The order of magnitude of this war has flipped us. I believe that the level of destruction and mayhem headed our way will exceed anything Israel has experienced in the last 50 years. While we would be spared the brunt of it here in Central Tel Aviv, my job as a parent to try to keep my family and protected as possible. Leaving for a little bit while the conflict occurs is not failure or giving up - its pragmatism for a family who does not have a direct role in the conflict. Regardless, we are not unified on our decision and will not go anywhere until we both agree on the proper course of action. I do not have good answers only miles and points that only work if there are planes flying with available seats.

As for those trying to find their way home, few international airlines will continue flying here. If you book on a non-Israeli airline, book a backup on ElAl, Arkia, or Israir. Please remember to cancel the flight if you do not use it. They all have relaxed change/cancellation policies in effect right now. Dan's Deals has a useful thread for finding flights out of tlv. My method is a bit simpler, but based upon a similar approach.

https://oldmatrix.itasoftware.com or https://matrix.itasoftware.com then use each of the following. Do note that there is some overlap.
LY Destination
IZ Destination
6H Destinations
TUS, Smartwings, and Pegasus were the next best after the Israeli airlines, but I am not current on their cancellations today.
[MENTION=22696]Dovster[/MENTION] stay healthy and strong. Thank you to the friends who have reached out here and elsewhere to check in on me & my family. We are blessed to have a great community around us and also blessed to have been spared much of the horror that you see retold on social media and cable news.

Thank you for sharing what's going on. You know I'm thinking of you & your family.

And thanks to Dov for starting the thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbiflyer (Post 35652835)

It appears that paragliding terrorists under the cover of rocket fire are attempting an invasion far north of Israel. This is the area where my father was born and my grandfather worked as well asDovster home. This marks a new phase of the war. BEYFlyer take some precautions as there will surely be a response.

All of Israel north of Haifa was sent to shelters about 30 minutes ago. My daughter's house is slightly north of Haifa, so we had to go in her security room. Right now, we are released from them but are ordered to stay in our houses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrp Alert (Post 35655102)

Details are hazy during the fog of war. Now the paragliders or small fixed engine aircraft apparently did not have passengers aboard. Either way, it’s notable that these originated in Lebanon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efrem (Post 35645827)

This from a cousin in Kibbutz Yizre'el (in the northern part of Israel, near Afula for those familiar with the country's geography). The [...] is a redaction to stay on-topic for this thread. The cousin and his wife have five kids.

Hi. I generally do not post here but since you asked, here I am. I've lived in Israel for many decades, but frequently flying back to the USA. It's ironically been quiet where I live, a community in Shomron, as it has been in previous skirmishes. The country is torn, in great distress over the details of the attack on Saturday, which incidentally is Shabbat (the Sabbath & in this case also a holiday, Simchat Torah). Several family members have been called up, and a couple more have been notified to pack a bag & be ready for their call - despite that they have 2 small children. In that eeventuality we will probaby be on babysitting duty. Schools are closed. I heard a little while ago that school is about to resume remotely. The university semester that usually opens this coming week has been postponed. Due to the mass shopping rush for everyone to have their pantries full, there is a bit of a shortage in the supermarkets - despite being told repeatedly that the food supply is fine. But despite these hardships (& some more I didn't mention) the morale here is high, very high. As a whole the citizenry just can't find enough opportunities to volunteer to, to do the most they can for this national effort to protect the homeland. Which is also a factor of the food shortage. Thousands have gone down to the Gaza region, laden, cars & trucks laden with food & treats, toiletries & personal items all to engulf the soldiers with love and appreciation. I could go on & on going into more detail, but I'll refrain from rambling. I'll end this by saying that there is no question that we'll be victorious. The issue is the extent of the heavy cost.

My friend’s brother-in-law is 70 and has been called to prepare to be an ambulance driver.

I went to one of Israel's biggest malls today. Despite its size it is usually jammed. Today it was almost empty of customers and about 90% of the shops were closed. Still, I managed to pick up some toys and clothing for my granddaughter. (I also bought some clothing for my daughter -- but no toys.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dovster (Post 35658153)

Despite everything that is going on, I hope you are able to at least enjoy being able to spend time with your granddaughter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrp96 (Post 35658442)

Despite everything that is going on, I hope you are able to at least enjoy being able to spend time with your granddaughter.

I love seeing her, but as she is two-years-old and generally sees me about twice a month, she doesn't really understand the connection between us so that puts a damper on her enthusiasm. Hopefully, by next year, she will understand it better.

Around 3 pm today Hamas sent two "gifts" to us, one aimed at Safed and the other at the Haifa suburbs. This sent us into shelters but the first one was shot down by the Iron Dome system and the latter fell into an empty field.