Jerusalem was Quiet, but We Are Not Alright

Where to begin as we begin a new week, and a new month and no way to predict what will happen next minute on the Jerusalem streets?

Since the start of the war, EMT teams have treated thousands of casualties, including those killed, as well as those in serious, moderate, and mild conditions, including staff who were working on saving lives.

During one night this week, 3 MDA ambulances were damaged by Hamas in different locations, and efforts were made to put them back in service to continue saving lives.

Shrapnel kills. More have been killed by Hamas and injured since the initial Simhat Torah Massacre.

In Jerusalem, it was quiet on Shabbat. Perhaps too quiet?

Most everything has been canceled. What you should know:

The videos with shocking headlines in Arab media were of a few local Hamas supporters throwing rocks and setting tires on fire as security aimed to keep them out of Jerusalem. Remember while the “Day of Rage” was internationally celebrated, it was in Arabic all about saving Al-Quds – Jerusalem.

Please be vigilant, know Arab media distorts and lies. I will spare you videos with these 2 screenshots.

The Kotel, Western Wall was quiet, as holiday crowds were anxious to get home and flights were canceled. Meanwhile, El Al is working overtime to bring people and reserve soldiers home.

ZAKA volunteers held a special ceremony at the Kotel, their job dealing with honoring the dead has never been so difficult as the horrors of the past week unfold.

Sunday morning, more Israeli flags are seen along the Jerusalem streets. Not everyone was caught unaware in the morning, and it was a hard rain for a while.

After a week that felt much longer, Stage 1 is coming to an end. “We are striking Hamas decisively. So far, over 1000 terrorists have been killed, including senior commanders, and thousands of targets have been attacked, including facilities, weaponry, and terror bases. The terrorists will have nowhere to hide. Anywhere there are Hamas terrorists will be turned into ruins.”

The weather is said to be a factor in when stage 2 of Operation Iron Swords will begin. Every Israeli expert agrees this time IDF ground forces will have to enter Gaza to get to the Hamas organization hiding behind civilians and under hospitals and the Gaza streets.

I’ve seen tanks lined up and ready to go into Gaza in the past, but at the last minute, international pressure forced a “ceasefire.” Each time Hamas regrouped and came back again attacking civilians.

US Senators meet with President Isaac Herzog on Sunday morning in Jerusalem, Israel.

I went to Kerem Shalom more than once, these photos are from May 18, 2016.

The variety and size of the trucks were what was shocking to see the first time.

Huge trucks, bigger than those I had seen on the US Interstate roads I traveled.

Other than Outback Australia the size of transportation of goods was like nowhere I knew of.

Regularly, even in times of conflict. Israel supplied Gaza with oil to cook and fuel to run engines.

The size and variety of what went into Gaza in the past was immense, where it went is another story.

The media has already turned against Israel defending itself. Over 150 hostages at last count, with many under the age of 18, are being held captive in Gaza. Before sending in more of those trucks, Israelis want the hostages back home alive and soon.

Civilians of all ages and children kidnapped and held captive began this humanitarian crisis.

A few positive voices have stood out including Douglas Murray responding to a belligerent Britsh talking head on “proportionality” and NYC Mayor Eric Adams, speech declaring, “We are not alright.”

Did you know the word Hamas means brutal, malevolent, unchecked violence?

לֹֽא־יִשָּׁמַ֨ע ע֚וֹד חָמָס֙ בְּאַרְצֵ֔ךְ”

“Hamas will never be heard of again in your land.” (Isaiah 60:18)

Hopefully, the Jerusalem streets will be filled with people again soon and the word of the prophet Isaiah will be fulfilled.