Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel's Armed Forces and Victims of Hostilities 2014.
Israeli citizens are shrouded in mourning and grief, an atmosphere of sadness and bereavement mixed with the routine of life. I finished a busy day of work around 10:30 PM and left my office in Jerusalem towards my home in Beitar Illit.
On the way, I get a phone call from a United Hatzalah volunteer, whose family member was killed in a military operation in Lebanon. The volunteer describes the chain of events that led to his cold-blooded murder by Hezbollah terrorists, and describes how they are coping with the loss even though many years have passed.
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The conversation ended with the blessing, "May you know no more sorrow.".
I turned right onto Highway 375 leading to Beitar Illit, which is also known as the 'Hussan Bypass.' As I finish the steep climb, I suddenly notice a trail of fire flying through the air. I remember this trail well. Ten months ago, I was driving on the nearby road, near the Al Khader junction, and I saw such a trail flying through the air.
I immediately became alert and realized it was a Molotov cocktail.
At this moment, there is no time for unnecessary thoughts. There is no time to think about the victims of hostilities whose lives were cut short. There is no time to think about the baby and his father who were murdered after a stone was thrown at their vehicle. The only thought that comes to mind is this first and foremost: Lord of the universe, Father in heaven - please save me and keep me alive for the sake of my wife and children.
In a tenth of a second, I look toward the cliff from which the Molotov cocktail was thrown. I checked to see if they saw me or not. No one was standing at the top of the cliff, the rockets were thrown from beyond the cliff.
I fled the scene as quickly as possible. While driving, four more Molotov cocktails were thrown around me, which exploded very close to me. Thank God, I was not injured and no damage was done.
I arrived home safely, but with a deep and tangible understanding of the atmosphere of this day.
Memorial Day for the fallen of Israel's armies and victims of hostile acts, whose lives were cut short on one day by vile, bloodthirsty murderers - may their memory be blessed, and may death swallow them up in every way, amen.
