Dear Friends,

I felt a need to write and hope that you are willing to listen. Though my voice is but a soft one, I would like to share my feelings with you today.

Today is Monday.

As in the past week, I find myself constantly checking the news. The radio is on and each half hour a news report comes on and I hold my breath and praying that I won't hear of any wounded or G-d forbid fallen soldiers.

You see, I am the mother of a 20 year old soldier who is planned to soon join his friends in combat.

I am the friend of many mothers whose sons are now fighting in Gaza.

I know that this is a justified war.

I think of the hundreds of thousands of Israelis in southern Israel under attack and I know that this cannot go on.

Two years ago, I too, was under attack, in the north. I remember so well what it is like to run to a "safe" place in your own home, hearing the rockets go off and exploding close to your home. I remember how frightened my boys were, trying so hard not to show it. The sirens shake your heart. The adrenalin flows so quickly, that often you find yourself in a protected area, not really realizing how it is that you got there. The noise is deafening. I remember so well.

But I am a mother of a 20 year old soldier who will soon join his friends in combat.

His best friends are now in Gaza.

My heart breaks. I think of what they are facing. I think of how cold they are. I think of the mud. I think of the devastation.

And I pray.

I pray for their safety. I pray for their safe return home.

I pray for a swift victory. I pray that everyone's son will come home safely.

Thank you for listening.