(Written by A' - a brother in yoga who started our 4 month journey 2 months ago)
On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, the seventh of October, my day began like any other. Rona gently roused me from my slumber, urging me to join her in the peaceful embrace of the living room. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sweetness of cake filled the air, accompanied by the gentle warmth of the morning sun.
Yet, amidst this tranquil scene, a vague announcement disrupted the serenity.
Stepping outside barefoot, I encountered the Rabbi, his demeanor marked by a sense of urgency reminiscent of military command.
His words urged me to return indoors, a foreboding sign of trouble looming on the horizon. As I contemplated checking the news on my phone, its sudden ring shattered the silence, signaling the gravity of the situation.
Reluctantly answering the call, I heard Rona's voice on the other end, her urgency palpable as she instructed me to check the news and head south, where chaos gripped the land. Consulting WhatsApp, Dekal's report of clashes in the distance confirmed the looming threat, prompting swift action.
Despite attempts to rally companions for the journey, N remained unresponsive. Left with no choice but to venture forth alone, I soon found myself on the road, the landscape marred by the presence of speeding security vehicles and police barricades.
The realization of my unpreparedness weighed heavily upon me, devoid of arms or equipment, clad only in civilian attire. Pausing near Urim, where the base had been breached, I keenly felt the absence of weaponry amidst the escalating crisis.
Arriving at Tzalim, the urgency to arm ourselves was paramount. Amidst a flurry of activity, makeshift belts fashioned from frayed threads and the signing of weapons became our preparations for the impending ordeal. The peculiar directive on WhatsApp to bring bulletproof vests added to the surrealism of the situation, though none were available.
As we set off, the gravity of the situation became palpable, the landscape scarred by the remnants of conflict. Determining our destination, we chose Holit, responding to a distress call from a fellow in need of assistance amidst the chaos engulfing the kibbutz.
Arriving at SHG Holit, the urgency of the situation dictated our actions. With little time to spare, we resolved to enter through the SHG, bracing ourselves for the unknown dangers that awaited.
As we moved forward, the scene before us resembled a battlefield, the once tranquil kibbutz now a theater of war. Amidst the chaos, our mission was clear: to locate civilians and combatants amidst the carnage.
Encountering resistance, we found ourselves engaged in a firefight, the adrenaline-fueled moments a blur of action and reaction. Amidst the chaos, the sight of comrades falling wounded served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
In the midst of the turmoil,
I found myself grappling with fear and uncertainty,
yet driven by a sense of duty and camaraderie.
Racing against time, we fought to rescue the injured,
our resolve unwavering in the face of adversity.
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty,
I found solace in the practice of yoga and grounding techniques,
seeking refuge from the trauma that threatened to consume me.
Each day became a testament to resilience, as I confronted my fears and embraced the healing power of self-care.
Through therapy and the support of a community of fellow survivors, I have embarked on a journey of healing, reclaiming control over my life and finding strength in vulnerability.
Though the scars of the past may never fully heal, they serve as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
In the end, it is through confronting our fears and embracing our pain that we truly find healing and emerge stronger than before.