My head is spinning from a combination of overwhelming gratitude for being in Eretz Yisroel at this time, the hectic pace of the past 36 hours and all that we have heard and seen in such a short span of time. I am certain that every participant in this amazing group of people will return home with much thankfulness (to themselves and their families) for having made the decision to participate. I am already being asked when I will be arranging the second Jewish Link solidarity mission. (First I will need to sleep for several weeks.)

I would like to share one short story about an incident that happened today. Upon my return I will be writing in greater detail about the things we have learned and observed about the people who live here in this amazing country.

This evening I went with my friend Brenda Sokoloff (a participant on the mission) to have a quick bite to eat. I decided to go to Greene’s, which I remembered was not far from the hotel, and it was a popular easy-in easy-out dairy restaurant frequented by many, many seminary girls. I was totally surprised to find that when we got there we found Greene’s to be devoid of customers. I mentioned it to the lady managing the store and she explained that she was sure that it was because everyone was at the “funeral.” In actuality today was an especially painful day because nine chayalim were killed today and one was a resident of the area (Shaare Chesed). I recalled as we were returning from the Gush today that there was also tons of unusual traffic for the time of day and again it was mentioned that it was due to a levaya of a local chayal from the Gush area.

As I continued my discussion with the lady in Greene’s I requested to see the names of the chayalim who were murdered today and she at the same time showed us the levaya of one on her phone. When I saw the name of the soldier I lost control because it was the family name of very close friends of mine who live in Rechovot, and because it is not a common name I automatically assumed it was one of their grandchildren. I sat down in absolute terror, horror and sorrow. The tears flowed down my cheeks. I tried to find out if in fact it was who I suspected. It was not. I suddenly felt relief and then I felt total horror at myself for any sense of relief I might have felt, because the boy who died is still someone’s son, brother, grandchild, etc. In fact he is related to all of us. We should all be crying each time we hear of the murder of these beautiful souls who are defending our home and land.

I will write in significantly more detail upon my return. I thank Moshe at The Link for agreeing to allow me to organize this trip, my amazing children who encouraged me when I was feeling discouraged and worried and, of course, Hashem for giving me the strength to be able to do this.

Nina Glick can be reached at [email protected].