Operation Pillar of Defense is our new tram's first experience with hostilities.
The Jerusalem light rail has only been up and running for a little over one year.
So after Hamas aimed two missiles toward Jerusalem on Friday evening, the officials had to start thinking--what to do if the air raid siren goes off when I am in the tram?
I heard it announced only once on the radio, but apparently it was decided that the tram would stop and passengers would stay inside.
And--get this!--the passengers are supposed to get below the level of the glass.
Yeah, sure.
Can you see how low the windows go?
And often people are packed in like vertical sardines, over 250 in each of the two cars of the tram.
Where would there be room to lie on the floor or sit on the floor or even just bend down??
And with all those glass doors and big windows, think of all the potential shrapnel that would go flying. Oi . . .
.
On Friday morning a fake bomb (wires sticking out of a bag or something) was planted in a tram near Mt. Herzl.
The entire line was stopped from 6:30 to 10 a.m. while they brought in the police robot to investigate the "suspicious object."
Sometimes I wish we stilled used camels and donkeys.
.
UPDATE: Another dummy bomb was put in the tram again this morning (Monday).
.
An entry that makes breathing difficult. Wishing you all a soon end to this and a solution. Patience and strength for your safe week ahead from Athens, Greece.
ReplyDeleteStopping doesn't seem like such a good idea. Sitting ducks.
ReplyDeleteHard to imagine the stress you guys are under. I hope everything resolves soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the peek into your life. What horrid stuff to think about; I'd vote for a moving tram, and riding under the seat. We are saying daily prayers for you and your country, and for a quick Peace. Our Kansas news featured Jewish families contacting their relatives in Israel, but a pro-Gaza quiet demonstration in mid-town. DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteTo the nameless new commenter who is sending me hostile comments for two days: This is a friendly and non-political blog. I will not publish your anonymous CAPITAL LETTER screaming at me. I am not in the mood for being attacked by any self-hating Jew right now. Please direct such comments to Gaza bloggers, where they will be happily received.
ReplyDeleteIts a super looking tram but as you say not the safest place to be in an air raid. Keep safe and I hope it ends soon.
ReplyDeleteHm, that tram is so nice, but I will not sit in it when sirens howl..
ReplyDeleteHey Dina, Sorry I haven't stayed in touch with you. I no longer blog. Just wanted you to know that I'm praying for your safety and peace in your country. JC (thisnthatwithjc)
ReplyDeleteFriends, thanks a lot for your ideas and reactions and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteJC, shalom! Good to see you again.
Spiderdama, that's the problem: I think you will not have the option of exiting the tram. :(
Former Anonymous, now Aaron: Thanks for sharing your name and a bit about you. You asked me "Do you consider Gaza people as inferior human beings?" I think you are new to my blog. If you go back through the almost 5 years of posts you will not find a word against Arabs as people and you may understand that I am not a big fan of the settlement policy.
Please don't assume things and immediately stereotype people before you look deeper.
Shalom to you. If you want to make peace, as you said, start with peace in your heart.
Brava.
ReplyDeleteEvery kind of public transport is dangerous in these circumstances. Do you think fake bombs are part of some kind of strategy?
ReplyDeleteDina, I don't know how others feel about this but you know how I feel: I would not visit this blog if you were a hater. I think some people hate and some don't, some are violent and some aren't. It has been so hard, in your part of the world, for the peacemakers on both sides to rise above the warmakers. But the peacemakers exist on both sides, and it is my hope that peace will prevail.
ReplyDeleteEver since I've been visiting your blog I've been impressed with your inclusiveness and willingness to see the best in everyone.
ReplyDeleteI wish you safety. How hard it must be to live in circumstances like this. It saddens and scares me. Your city is historically a holy city; if only peace would come your way. How cruel we humans can be to each other.
ReplyDeleteI made no judgment about you and your blog, I referred to bloggers coms and spoke about the government , yes I am still an angry young man with no peace in my heart yet, I lost a lot of childhood friends. I was raised by my parents in the spirit of respect of all human beings 60 years of conflicts and war is a long long time .
ReplyDeleteI went twice to Gaza as a student and believe me I cannot get out of my mind and heart what I saw over there.
Shalom.
Aaron
Oh yikes, Dina! This is just AWFUL! I'm glad to see the new trams are being used, but it is scary to think of so many people who are then in potential harm.
ReplyDeleteIn Hawaii there is still opposition to the light rail saying that people won't use it. I hope that won't be the case.