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All this week Israel is even stranger than it is normally.
We are having a preparedness drill named "Turning Point 3."
It is to practice what would (or should) be done by the authorities and the people in the worst-case scenario--simultaneous incoming missiles from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, and even Iran, accompanied by terror attacks from the West Bank.
Every air raid siren in the country will go off at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. For the first time ever, the Home Front Command wants all citizens to practice taking cover inside the nearest shelter or protected space.
The black things you see above are built into all the new apartment buildings (since 1992).
The secure space's walls are made of steel reinforced concrete and the door has an air-tight seal.
There can be one inside the residence and also one on every floor of the building.
The old underground bomb shelters in the middle of my village. I think these public shelters are no longer in use.
The shelter next to our kindergarten does, however, look well maintained, even painted sky blue with clouds.
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I think the newest and most interesting innovation is this (in today's Jerusalem Post):
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"For the first time in such an exercise, the IDF Home Front Command will also test a new system that issues warning of incoming missile attacks to private cell phones. The IDF is also reviewing technology that would enable it to send little 'pop-up' screens to computers that are connected to the Internet.
Developed by Israeli hi-tech company eVigilo, the system connects to existing cellular antennas and is able to send messages to all phones that are being supported by the antenna. This enables the system to send warnings from areas as large as the entire country to just several city blocks, where the missile is predicted to land.
'Israelis have around 10 million cell phones and we plan to take advantage of them during an emergency,' explained OC Home Front Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Golan."
Developed by Israeli hi-tech company eVigilo, the system connects to existing cellular antennas and is able to send messages to all phones that are being supported by the antenna. This enables the system to send warnings from areas as large as the entire country to just several city blocks, where the missile is predicted to land.
'Israelis have around 10 million cell phones and we plan to take advantage of them during an emergency,' explained OC Home Front Command Maj.-Gen. Yair Golan."
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Can you imagine, you are sitting and blogging when suddenly a box pops up on your computer screen saying "A missile is on its way to your neighborhood and will strike in X seconds (or X minutes)" !
Well friends, that's my world. Oi, such a world!
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Dina, it's really interesting to know all these things about Israeli life. The images are very significant too. I only say one thing: the universe age is about 13 milliards years, human life is about 80/90 years... let's draw a conclusion.
ReplyDeleteTo your question; simply put..I wouldn't like it
ReplyDeleteSuch a world, indeed. That your people should have to take these steps at all, let alone justify the measures that your government takes to keep its citizens safe, is mind-boggling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, and I hope for a time when such things are in the past, and the shelters are used only by children playing hide and seek.
I hope the day will come when these measures will no longer be necessary.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Dina, I also do hope and pray that your worst case scenario never happens.
ReplyDeleteenjoy learning more about israeli life each time i visit your blog. i like the concept behind the telephone equipment and it is something that could have world wide application and, probably will some day. found the wall barrier pieces quite interesting too.
ReplyDeletetake care dina..,
Goodness, Dina - I'll think of you "practicing" when you have the drill. Take care and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWow that is incredible, thanks for sharing your world.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
Guy
Regina In Pictures
Dina that's really frightening. You really live in a dangerous time! It's something we daily think of: Israel in a state of war and how can your country be protected. When will there be peace? Thank you Dina for sharing this post!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree and second Martha Z's comments.
ReplyDeleteDina: A very interesting post and it shows what fear can exist in your land.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Dina.
ReplyDeleteIt's very sad that a country has to prepare like this to keep it's populace safe, and then justify their action to the world.
May G-d keep His Kingdom safe.
Amazing post. What a thing to worry about about.
ReplyDeleteIsrael has always facinated me. So small but so strong and prepared for anything. This is a place I hope to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to read your blog daily.
So many things to be concerned about. This must be a challenging situation.
ReplyDeleteThat is so scary - yes I can imagine it, and also can imagine thinking "I'll go in just a minute" - a luxury no one can afford in that situation.
ReplyDeleteHow hard it must be to live in fear
ReplyDeleteand hard to imagine when you live here free from all those threats
Take care and stay safe
Beautiful Dina-why don't you come to Canada -the aurora borealis here is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day filled with love and light.
shalom
Ai yai yai! You are living in a particularly dangerous world, Dina. Please be safe.
ReplyDeleteWe had a car with a megaphone go by a few minutes before the siren, reminding people that it was just a drill. My daughter's not great with sudden loud noises, I hope it didn't bother her too much (she's in kindergarten).
ReplyDeleteDINA.. .HOPE it all finally come to an end......till then be safe...very informative post regarding life in your part of world.
ReplyDeleteDina you have such a lovely and informative blog, I do enjoy visiting so much, although this post reminds me a little too much of the air raids before the end of WWII when we were stuck in Germany as refugees.
ReplyDeleteThe technology is frightening as well as useful. Like 'Brave New World' where the controllers can be in your private space anytime they choose.
The marble foot is beautiful as is your post about your lovely cheesemaker.
I have to admire the courage of people to be able to live here.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed!
Thanks for sharing your part of the world with us.
havent been online for a couple of days, but going back -you still get my award for best blog for review of country and faith! Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteI only know they are very brave people, who are leading life with so much instability around.
ReplyDeleteDina my heart goes out to you and your nation XXX Don
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post ...
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I cannot imagine sitting at my computer and getting that message...
We Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
ReplyDeleteHow dreadful that such measures are necessary. Life would not be good having the threat hanging over you.
ReplyDeleteIt is best to be prepared.