As I sit on an El-Al flight from Tel-Aviv to New York after 5 months of studying in Jerusalem, I feel a great sense of remorse that I am leaving at a time like this. Most would suspect that I am relieved, as Operation Cast Lead continues in the South. Not only have the residents of southern Israel and Gaza been alarmed by the onslaught of violence just outside of their homes, but the war has also affected many more Israelis since Cast Lead became a ground operation. An increasing number of soldiers are being summoned to fight in the Gaza Strip, and the mood of country tangibly changed when its young soldiers were called upon to participate. It seems incomprehensible to say that the war has not changed the entire country, but in reality, the exact opposite is true. Literally the day after the operation began, I boarded a bus to Haifa for one last travel adventure before my return to America. Men and women alike continue to go to work everyday. University students still go to class, worrying about their approaching midterm exams. And even the bars of downtown Jerusalem are continually packed on weekend nights. The true strength of this country is exhibited in its ability to maintain life as usual despite the massive violence occurring as close to cities such as Beersheva and Ashdod. I encourage all Americans to visit Israel as often possible, even when the media make this seem like an utter impossibility. The country needs international support now more ever. Admittedly, the emotional atmosphere of Israel perceptibly changed with the solders now on everyone's minds. Many of the soldiers know friends from home who have been sent to Gaza and don't know when they will see them again. Even more, many of those who have not been deployed feel an incredible sense of guilt because they want to be fighting right next to their brothers on the field. The best thing that we, as American Jews, can do is ensure Israelis that we support them and will continue to stand behind their country as we have in the past. If I could, I would turn around this second and stay in Israel, if merely to show my solidarity for a country I have come to love.
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