Today is December 31, 2008. Approximately 90 kilometers (56 mi) south of where I sit, the Israeli Air Force has been launching air strikes against Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, for the past four days. The strikes have been the deadliest military effort in Gaza in decades and there does not seem to be an end in sight. Currently, tanks and troops are being amassed along the Israel/Gaza border for a probable ground offensive.
This is all happening 90 kilometers south of me. Where I sit its bi'ness as usual. Slept late. Studied some facial muscles today. Played with the puddy tat. Even put in some facebook time. By the time this is posted I will be preparing for a night on the town in celebration of the coming new year.
How do I feel about all of this? Well that's an interesting question and I'm glad you asked, because I don't know how the hell I feel about all this. I guess the quickest and most personal way this situation can effect me is by interfering with my education and my pocket book. Both of which I prefer to maintain complete control over. But really, despite my close proximity to this shit storm, I'm still somewhat isolated. The language barrier prevents me from really understanding the local perspective. I'm getting all of my information from the same online sources that anyone in the states could access.
All in all, this is a situation that I never would have imagined myself in, and I'm not just talking about being so close to war: but being a medical student in a foreign country, learning Hebrew, falling in love, weaning myself off of bacon, living in Israel. Its been one hell of a year. Can't wait to see what tomorrow and 2009 bring.