Hurrah! I managed to log in. I must have done something wrong previously. Anyway, here I am, and I was able to read (just not to write) and it was so heartwarming to see all your posts and your concern. I see that Lovemysons has actually given you my information. So I will just tell you, it is a little bit complicated. My oldest son (who is 53) has been called up to reserve military duty. He's actually in volunteer capacity but our army has called up the reserves and there are very many who are older and who have gone in voluntarily. I think he's crazy. He is a very senior paramedic who has worked on the ambulances for many years, and then he did a long course and became a physician assistant and he works in a large hospital here in Jerusalem in the emergency ward, so I would have thought that would be sufficient. Anyway, nobody listens to their old mother, do they! And the other son who has been called up is Oriel -- yes, Oriel, the one who gave me so much trouble for so many years, and who was the reason for my coming here originally. We have been through some very difficult years with him, but I am very happy to be able to tell you that today he is doing well. He is holding down a job, rents his own small apartment, has a girlfriend, and is living quite a "normal" life. We are so grateful. Anyway, he is now in the reserves and feeling good. I don't think he will actually see combat. He is serving as the driver for some quite high-ranking officer whom he likes. The older son is a combat soldier and obviously I am really worried about him.
The injured grandson's shoulder has been really badly injured. He has a contraption they built out of metal rods and screws to hold all the bits in place while it heals. It seems he will be in hospital for several more weeks, and even then his convalescence will take some time longer.
Many people who are not in the army have volunteered for local civil defence groups. What has happened here was so horrifying and everyone wants to know that they will be able to defend themselves and their families if ever, G d forbid, anyone ever comes to attack people again in their homes like that. Surprisingly, the atmosphere in the country is very positive. People are rallying around to help wherever they can, and it seems like the whole nation has cohesed.
OK, I have been careful not to write anything political, so I hope what I wrote is OK.
Love, Esther