Update From Sderot 9/17/09

We are all thankful that it has been quiet in regards to the kassams, but I couldn't help but notice the facial reactions of my new friends last night while enjoying an outdoor dinner. There were about twenty of us sitting and having dinner on a outdoor patio at Nana's house when the sound of several jets taking off nearby was heard. Almost in unison those at the table experienced an increase sense of alertness as they listened for the alarms to sound. Thankfully, this time at least they did not.

Yesterday was filled with lots of activities such as handing out food and special gift baskets for Rosh Hashanah. We also made many home deliveries. It was while making the deliveries that one of the coolest experiences of the day happened. I was out making the home deliveries with Bobbie Anne an American sister living here in Sderot, when she mentioned that she wanted to drop a gift basket off as a thank you.

As we parked the car and got out we were met at the building entrance by three Israeli men asking what we were doing there and who we were there to see. and of course they were very interested in the gift basket Bobbie Anne was holding. After asking for our passports and if they could inspect the basket we were told we could not go up to see the intended person. It was shortly after this that someone upstairs look down at the five of us and instructed the Israeli guards to let us come up.

Well apparently, as it turned out this was Kenesset member, Michael Eitan, who plays a role in the Kenesset that is similar to our Speaker of the House. But he welcomed us into his apartment much to the dismay of the three guards. Well after simple introductions Mr Eitan asked me where I was from which I answered along with why I had come to Sderot. He then shared for about an hour about his adventures in the late 80's when he led a large group of Israelis in eight RV's in a tour across America. He has acually seen more of America then I had ~ and I told him as much.

Our conversation then turned to the present, and we spoke of the current situation here in Sderot as well as Israel's mounting challenges to protect herself in an atmosphere where the rest of the world cries out for more concessions and give-a-ways. He did however state that Israel continues to see America as a good friend. To this I couldn't help but reply, "America is your friend sir, but I would like you to know this... If a time comes when my country, the administration of my country, is no longer seen as Israel's friend, please know that there will always be a remnant of those in America that truely love Israel and will always stand with Her." To this he simply smiled, winked and said, "In God we trust." I smiled back, and said, "Yes. Yes that we must."