Worries are mounting about increasing violence in the area. In turn, Israeli architect Alon Cohen-Lifshitz has taken to social media to make the case for building more public shelters throughout the country. Cohen-Lifshitz, an activist with the organization Bimkom, believes in equal treatment and availability of public services for all. This need is further underscored by the recent missile threats.
His call’s urgency has equally soared. This followed missile strikes that immediately followed U.S. President Donald Trump ordering military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. It’s residents who are grappling with the immediate consequences of these changes. Instead, missile alerts are disrupting the fabric of daily life, forcing families to look for shelter in makeshift, sometimes bizarre places.
Public Shelters and Community Response
Meanwhile in Ramat Gan, an underground light rail station has temporarily been turned into a public bomb shelter. This shift occurs as the public transport service has been suspended following the outbreak of the deepening war. During the recent attacks, dozens of displaced families have found shelter in the concourses. They’ve brought inflatable mattresses, blankets and power boards to charge their devices, he said.
The reality one will face inside the shelter is another major issue. One local resident voiced frustration over the lack of air conditioning and disabled access, highlighting the inadequacies of this temporary solution. According to Cohen-Lifshitz, having more shelters will be key to making everyone feel safe and secure during these emergencies.
“If we don’t have the IDF today, tomorrow we’re all dead.” – Guy
With Israel’s missile detection systems automatically routing alerts to personal mobile apps, residents are given a maximum of 10 minutes notice before they’re attacked. While this technology does not offer any real safety or emergency solutions, it is the illusion of safety and emergency preparedness. Many Americans are still concerned about their safety, believing that stronger actions are needed.
Impact on Daily Life and Local Businesses
Life has changed drastically in Israel since the initial attacks on October 7 which sparked the ongoing war. For local resident Daniel Bairey, the destruction became personal when an Israeli missile leveled the windows of his apartment. For a week afterward, he and his two sons—one just 19 years old—worked on the resulting cleanup, a sobering indication of the safety risks they could be subjected to.
“We’ve always been under an existential threat, so what’s new?” – Mr. Bairey
Though Bairey is able to reflect on the normalization of living under threat, she is well aware of the psychological cost that this takes on families. His view is shared by most Israelis that were forced to learn to live on a day-to-day basis with conflict at the center of their lives.
Tourism has been the worst hit victim of the elevation of tensions. Local business owner Galia Berental, who serves on the board of the Phillips Neighborhood Association, shared her alarm at the absence of visitors. She explained that her store is not the only one hit hard.
“It has an effect. We, the owners of the shop lose, the produce gets thrown away, there is no work, no selling of goods.” – Galia Berental
The beautiful, temperate city of embedded tech and innovation that once inspired visitors to flock there is now shunned by tour workers. Berental pointed out that unlike other turnarounds, this one’s been going on for two years with no evidence of things turning around.
“It’s very hard. It’s not only one week [of Iranian missiles], it’s two years without tourists, and nothing since the 7th of October.” – Galia Berental
Perspectives on International Support
The new U.S. military campaign has led to sharply different reactions among Israelis. These contrasting perspectives are centered on the future impacts to our national security. Bairey noted that while he has reservations about Trump, he finds some comfort in America’s support during these tumultuous times.
“It’s a comfort to have the backing of the US.” – Mr. Bairey
Well, take it from many Israelis who agree with him, who understand that international alliances are central to their national security strategy. The rich trust that residents place in their military forces. They feel that these forces and protections are sufficient to keep them safe despite the persistent threats of nature.
Chaim Bar Or, another local resident, vowed to stand strong in the face of attack. He emphasized a communal spirit in Israel, stating:
“When we need to fight, we know how to fight — we live hard, we fight hard, we party hard.” – Chaim Bar Or
For the majority of Israelis, fear and defiance are the bookends between which they go about their lives. This decision is indicative of their overall state of mind.
