ISRAEL — One woman made a powerful statement regarding changes in her daily routine amid terror threats.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been advising citizens to be on “maximum alert” as the Israeli people have suffered a massive spike in violent attacks.
Driving your car, taking the bus, or simply walking around- daily routine has become dangerous to Israelis.
Alexandra Benjamin, a tour guide and teacher, posted a powerful list on Facebook outlining her changes (and non-changes) in day-to-day life since the up-tick in terror attacks:
5 changes I have made to my [behavior] in recent days:
1. I no longer text or play candy crush as I walk. I want to stay alert and aware of my surroundings.
2. When I wait at a bus stop I stand behind the shelter, not under it.
3. When I walk down the sidewalk I try and walk on the side of the oncoming traffic – the better to see cars coming towards me.
4. When I leave my home in the morning I make sure I haven’t left anything embarrassing out – just in case I don’t come back and someone else has to enter my apartment.
5. I don’t wear high-heels. Just in case I need to run.
5 changes I refuse to make to my behaviour.
1. I won’t stop going out. I will go to work, go to the gym, go to the shuk, go to restaurants. This is my life and my city and I won’t have it stolen from me.
2. I won’t look at every Arab like s/he is a terrorist. I won’t allow myself to get sucked into racist fear-mongering.
3. I won’t lose perspective. I will remember that terrorism is about inciting terror out of proportion to the danger. This is still the city where I can (and do) walk safely though my neighbourhood alone in the middle of the night.
4. I won’t panic. Even when I hear several sirens in a row, or when I see security forces blocking off the street. (not every ‘suspicious object’ is a bomb.)
5. I won’t stop being grateful for the amazing miracle that is Israel and for the incredible things that make our society one I am so proud of.
5 changes I have made to my behaviour in recent days 1. I no longer text or play candy crush as I walk. I want to stay…
Posted by Alexandra Benjamin – Israel Tour Guide and Educator on Tuesday, October 13, 2015
