Information from a correspondent in Israel

It has become necessary to have around the world a network of correspondents, who can provide information.

In this particular instance, my information is provided by someone called Yaacov in Israel. I acknowledge that the sources is biased, but by alerting my readers to this, I hope that they will get at least the poignant cry for understanding that I believe, the message contains.

"Well as you probably heard, the Israeli Army decided finally to do something about the rocket attacks coming out of Gaza. Last Wednesday over 120 rockets were fired from Gaza on the settlements and towns around Gaza. Miraculously no one was hurt physically. Psychologically the damage cannot be measured. As soon as the alarm goes off, anybody living within 10 kms of the border has about 10 seconds to get under cover. Further on, within 30 kms of the border, people have between 15 -25 seconds to find cover. It's not a pleasant way to live. Think of the kids. Some damage was caused. There is a good chance that reserves will be called up today. If I get a call I will let you know.

I should mention that rockets were being fired on a daily basis for the past few years. Last Wednesday was a bit exceptional, because of the masses of rockets. Our government was a bit hesitant, because it is full of people who worry more about what the "goyim" (non Jews - Ed.) think, than what its citizens need. There are also elections coming up in about a month and the government has very good reason to believe its going to be whacked."

Of those of us who live in Australia, I think it is almost impossible for most of us to understand what it means to live in fear of a daily barrage of rockets, courtesy of Hamas or the fear of Israeli shells or bombs. Suffice it to say that for both sides of the population in or near Gaza, an unacceptable level fear is the common element.

From an Israeli point of view, life would be good for everyone concerned, if only "those people" in Hamas would stop firing their rockets. From the point of view of the people in Gaza it's probably fair enough to say, "if only those people in Israel would stop sending their planes over to drop bombs or sending the military across with their tanks and shells" life would be a lot better.

Is there no answer to this problem? I guess that based on past performance there is likely to be no answer besides more death, more injury, more mourning, more tears, and probably more tedious commentary from people such as myself.

Perhaps the best I can do is to wish that in the New Year "peace" breaks out again, if only for a while, even if it is once again at the point of a gun.