I don't know why, with this particular war, I decided to make a daily report, in the form of letters to my brother and sister. Among other reasons, it was certainly easier to write than after October 7, though I'm not sure that "easier" is really the word. This time we had a shelter, and found too many opportunities to use it. Perhaps what made writing easier was the sense of detachment I felt. Though I wasn't personally threatened in the aftermath of October 7, there was definitely a sense of existential threat. And of course as time went on we no longer felt that we were in a war, but rather in a never-ending holding pattern. I don't think I did much writing, but perhaps I'll review my mail from that period and discover that actually I sent many letters.
With Iran there was a clear starting point, and a desire on my part not only to express my thoughts and feelings, but also to try and communicate the atmosphere.
Each night, at least until things had quieted down enough for me to feel that we'd achieved a functional "normal", I reviewed the day and tried to report what being in as war such as this was like.
I have no idea if I actually succeeded.
This letter-writing marathon ended when it seemed that a cease-fire was really in effect, though even when these pages were organized and posted, a month after the last letter, that ceasefire continues to be tenuous at best. My life has returned to something very similar to "normal" (I continually wonder if there really is such a thing) but the north of Israel remains in what can only be described as a state of war. And as I post this I ask myself if a continuation of these letters is imminent.
But that's not a reason to refrain from posting what's here.
May 19, 2026
Shabbat, February 28, 2026 - sent at 17:00
Monday, March 2, 2026, sent at 01:10
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, sent at 01:45
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, sent at 01:45
Thursday, March 5, sent at 01:55
Friday, March 6, 2026, sent at 01:15