Live from Jerusalem – Israel at War with Iran
Live Update from Jerusalem
Operation Rising Lion
“Look, a people rises like a lioness,
And lifts itself up like a lion;
It shall not lie down until it devours the prey,
And drinks the blood of the slain.” (Num.23:24)
Dear Friends of Zion,
Thank you to all those who have messaged me and my family! I appreciate your care, encouragement, and prayers. My father is now stuck in Europe along with 40,000 other Israelis awaiting for Ben Gurion Airport to reopen again. We were preparing for the next group of wounded soldiers scheduled for next week, but now had to be canceled because of the war…
All of Israel on High Alert
The last 2 days seem like 2 weeks, as so much has been happening in the region. I’m sure many all over the world are trying to keep up with the news. Rockets raining down on Israel is old news, but the developing reactions and intermediaries will play a significant role as history unfolds before our eyes. Incoming notifications of destruction and over 200 casualties, including 3 deaths, only prove how real and serious the current situation is. Those in reserve duty have been called up across the country, all flights are down, incomings flight were rerouted and have landed abroad, plans, celebrations, and trips have been canceled, and we are basically in lockdown until further notice.
Rockets and Interceptions over Tel Aviv (Credit: CBS News)
Damage from the Impacts (Credit: ILTV News)
Rescue Teams searching for those trapped under rubble (Credit: ILTV News)
Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv
On Thursday, June 12th, we visited with wounded soldiers at the Sheba Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Tel Aviv who have been recovering for months along with some mothers. One of the patients just entered his 20th surgery! Some of the guys who’ve been hospitalized for nearly a year received a puppy to keep them company and support them in their recovery.
Therapy Puppies Maple & Batsi – Sheba Hospital Balcony
The famous department’s balcony wasn’t as busy as usual. It’s a communal area, where everyone spends time together outside of their rooms and between doctor appointments. They have a cup of coffee, chat with friends, and are often entertained by a musician. The hospital is expecting more wounded to join the department from Soroka Hospital in the following 2 weeks, as many more have been injured recently.
Musician Noam Tsuriely visits with a wounded soldier
Passing through the hallways, I once again met Noam Tsuriely by chance, an Israeli rapper and musician who came to surprise a wounded soldier who was injured in Khan Yunis, Gaza 2 weeks ago and loves Noam’s music. A new song of his, “Mangina” (translated ‘Melody’), about the history of our people and current state had just been released the same day. The video was shot in one of the areas that had burnt down in Jerusalem last month. Another song he wrote describing the situation is “Od Yom beAza” (‘Another Day in Gaza’), as he alternates between his shows and reserve duty in the field. He returned to serve yesterday…
In the meantime, …
- Israel presented the US with credible evidence of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
- I received calls and notification of US embassies evacuating in the Middle East, indicating something big was coming…
- The US State Department released an eerie statement similar to the eve of the last Iranian attack on Israel: “Due to the increased regional tensions, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice. Transit between these three areas, including to and from Ben Gurion Airport, is authorized. Transiting Route 1 to and from Allenby Bridge is also permitted.”
- The likelihood of a direct response from Iran was claimed to be higher than ever.
Friday, June 13th, 2025
⏰02:59 – All of Israel woke up to the blaring sirens across the whole country and phones going off due to multiple incoming notifications.⚠️
The Homefront Command Center has instructed the public to stay alert to incoming threats as a NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY had been declared across Israel.
The homeland security guidelines have been adjusted as Israel began striking precise targets in Iran. Until further notice, these guidelines include:
- A ban on educational activities,
- A ban on gatherings,
- A ban on workplaces operations, except for essential sectors.
Israel’s Operation “Rising Lion” targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders. Tehran responded by launching 100 drones at Israel, many of which had been intercepted before causing any damage.
Flights
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport is locked down – no flights in or out. The group of 7 wounded guys we had planned this month will not be flying out as their flight has been cancelled. Israeli airplanes have been removed from the airport in Tel Aviv and are currently parked in Cyprus. One of our former wounded soldiers who stayed with us is stuck in Cyprus and is unable to return to Israel, similar to over 50’000 others whose flights have been diverted to various destinations in Europe.
⏰ 10:47 – “End of stay next to a Protected Space in your area – You no longer need to stay next to a protected space.”
A residential bomb shelter in a Tel Aviv building apartment and an underground parking garage in Jerusalem to spend the night
Some Israelis went to the grocery stores to stock up on essentials before Shabbat and had to queue in long lines. People have been contacting their family members and friends to check up on them and ask if they have a protected area to hide out in. Ynet News published an article, “YOUR STAIRWELL IS NO LONGER SAFE – ISRAEL RAISES THREAT LEVEL AHEAD OF IRAN RETALIATION”. Not everyone has a bomb shelter in their building, often opting for the stairwells or seeking out public shelters, including underground parking garages which aren’t always easily and quickly accessible for the elderly. Some shelters are communal on each floor of an apartment building or a private secured room in newer buildings.
Talks of Iranian ballistic missiles were expected Friday night after the start of Shabbat, as all those who are observant would most likely not be on their phones nor follow the news, only depending on the sirens. There was a sense of calm before the storm as the streets were significantly less busy than a quiet Friday afternoon when all shopkeepers close up and go home. Israelis were waiting all day for the expected first wave of rockets…
Recently, the alerts in the local apps have added a feature which sends notifications about 90 seconds before the sirens actually go off and warn the public about incoming rockets in advance, providing more time to seek out suitable shelter. I debated between more oxygen or a calmer night’s rest in the bomb shelter and decided to spend the night there to avoid the whole commotion. There is no service inside the bomb shelter itself due to all the thick concrete and no way to stay updated when the door is bolted shut, but I prepared provisions I might need otherwise.
Underground Bomb Shelter
Israel estimates that Iran has 2,000 ballistic missiles left which are able to reach Israel. They believe the main threat is supposed to be over within days, however the level of alertness will remain high for weeks to come as high-ranking Israeli officials and Israelis abroad will be targeted. Currently, aside from the casualties, not only is there the destruction of property, vehicles, and streets, but also the heightened anticipation of the next wave, due to detected movement in Iran, indicating an expected barrage of rockets again tonight and the days to come. Sirens are heard in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Dead Sea area, and Upper Galilee. It seems the focus is Tel Aviv for now. Yemen continues to send missiles, the Gazans are seen recording joyful reactions to Iran’s rocket launches, and we just pray, watch, and wait as we expect a longer ordeal. Some say 2 weeks, some say longer…
The exhaustion is understandable. So many months, even years and centuries, living under a constant existential threat… When hundreds of rockets disturb your peace, but don’t land in your vicinity, you may start to gamble with the next one, as you are simply tired of having to interrupt your life all the time and deal with the nerves that go along with each incoming siren. I believe many Israelis have just become numb and apathetic due to PTSD. There is the other extreme of individuals who are in a constant state of fear, unconsciously also making those around them nervous. As much as possible, a responsible and calm approach would be ideal, but we’re only human, and everyone copes differently.
Even with most recent notification at 13:07 – “You no longer need to stay next to a protected space.”, Israelis cannot be completely at ease, as we are instructed to continue to remain alert and await the next barrage of rockets, not knowing when to expect it again and how quickly one might have to run. Thus, most of Israel is currently minimizing movement and staying at home. Lockdown on Shabbat is one thing. Let’s see what the beginning of the new week brings this evening. It feels like you’re playing musical chairs for an extended period, however, it’s not a game, and when the music stops, it’s not as an exciting and funny moment with laughter as it is in the game itself. Hiding out in the bomb shelter underground made me think of the hostages again – what we’re experiencing is a fraction of the fear and torment they are going through…
I feel for those abroad who are anxious and worry, those family members who are separated. Ultimately, everything is in The Lord’s hands and our only hope, comfort and Shalom is in Him! What a time to be alive and witness history in the making!
Thank you for your continued prayers for us at FZS, and all of Israel, and the innocent Iranians who are oppressed by an evil regime! Thank you for standing with Israel in our time of need!
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yael and FZS staff
