The good thing is, is that there are lots of joint initiatives. It's impressive and heartwarming and gives hope. And even though some things are heartbreaking and may seem bleak, just the act of working together makes me feel so much better. I ended one meeting yesterday and saw that everyone's faces were so sad - but for me, just the act of gathering together, Jews and Arabs, and putting in time and intention in a non violent and hopeful direction gives me hope. So I used the last two minutes to tell them funny stories on my sister's dog and ask them to take care of themselves, even if it means they take a few days off.

Also impressive, but unfortunately violent: about 50 minutes ago there were sirens in 117 different areas, almost simultaneously. You know, at some point I'd thought they'll run out of rockets, but apparently they still have a lot.

Here's some hope: [link]

I found an advent calendar for ltc with a rock a day, and she absolutely squealed with glee when she saw it.

I had one of those last year, and it was THE BEST.

Shir and Nilly, reading your words here is truly a balm.

I do feel - and fear - that by picking sides, people miss that there are real people here, with their lives and sanity on the line. We are not fictional characters, and a lot of us - I do hope most of us - just want to live and don't want others around them, of any ethnicity or nationality, dead or displaced.

We have wonderful people, and absolutely rotten and cynical politicians.

Yeah, it really does help. It always helped me picture what life is like there, because many of us don't see it except as a Trouble Spot.(part of the problem when we "help" I think. Yes, those biscuits are excellent, but kind of weird if you take one home...they don't reheat well. Maybe as with the Colonel's biscuits(in the American sense, you know, rolls?) it's a price we pay for symnetry. Although when I was a kid our big deal was Sizzler and their cheesy toast. If I didn't get some with my own order(which happened kind of often, because as I recall, the cheeseburger was my first choice...nowadays there'd be one with a Cheesy Bun, I almost bet, but not then.) Mom would give me hers. Which might be why my stepdad used to call me "Queen Carbo" sometimes. Shir, I can relate to your sentiments about the pols(with a few exceptions) but, yeah, happens here, too.

Also impressive, but unfortunately violent: about 50 minutes ago there were sirens in 117 different areas, almost simultaneously. You know, at some point I'd thought they'll run out of rockets, but apparently they still have a lot.

Yikes that is very scary!! But I continue to be so glad you are both posting here and keeping us updated.

I do feel - and fear - that by picking sides, people miss that there are real people here, with their lives and sanity on the line. We are not fictional characters, and a lot of us - I do hope most of us - just want to live and don't want others around them, of any ethnicity or nationality, dead or displaced.

When it comes to everyone living in Israel and Gaza, I don't want anyone to be killed or harmed or starved or denied medical attention or displaced. It's not possible to pick a side, because, like you said, they are real people, and everyone deserves to live peacefully.

Agreed.. I feel badly for everyone and just want the pain to stop.

I found an advent calendar for ltc with a rock a day, and she absolutely squealed with glee when she saw it.

I would too! That is delightful.

I do hope most of us - just want to live and don't want others around them, of any ethnicity or nationality, dead or displaced.

I believe this is the majority. The news prefers to show people who only think their side has any value or justification for their behavior.

I am on the side of everyone who is trapped amid all this and just wants to stop.

My inability to sleep continues and it means sometimes I read through random news trying to get tired. I know I should stay away from screens but after lying in bed for an hour and not sleeping I need to do something.

And for the first time since July (I think) my period showed up I'm not happy. I have cramps (I took something it helped but didn't make them go away) .