Rain? Lightning? Rockets? No Problem for Israeli Folk Fans

Rain? Lightning? Rockets? No Problem for Israeli Folk Fans

Oct 28

They used to say that the US Postal Service would get the job done despite “dark, storm, or gloom of night.” Well, in two recent concerts, Israeli folk music fans proved that they will brave anything to come out for a show.

This past Thursday, I was invited to the city of Petach Tikva as part of the “Greta’s Rooftop Concerts” series. I had heard that Greta — a gracious hostess who works as a medical translator — had a beautiful little space on her roof. A nice sized audience was expected. And so too — according to the weather forecast — was rain.

With Greta’s living room space at a premium, it was decided that if there was a serious cloudburst the show would be cancelled, and a rain-date was announced for those who had reserved places. But by the late afternoon the skies were still clear, so I got into my car and headed up the highway for the show.

As I drove, I watched the clouds move in, and get thicker…and thicker. And then the lighting commenced! I began to wonder whether standing up on the roof of a building — any building — was a good idea.

To make a long story short, despite a slight drizzle just before showtime, Greta’s immediate area in Petach Tikva stayed dry, and the show went on (as it must).

The next morning, I headed south, to participate in a great little music festival at the Ashan HaZman music club in Beersheba . Here, as opposed to the center of the country, the sun was shining, and a light breeze kept everyone blissfully cool for this relaxed and lovely outdoor performance.

Now, this morning, I read that continued rocket fire from Gaza have shut down Beersheba’s schools for the day. This is after Israel’s southern communities suffered heavy rocket fire — over 70 projectiles injuring several people and causing extensive property damage — last Wednesday.

Israelis — including myself — have been known to complain bitterly about how these low-intensity attacks, which hold the entire southern region hostage with potentially lethal fire aimed at civilians, are under-reported in the world media. Well of course, they’re under-reported… if something goes on for years with no change, it stops being newsworthy.

Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich, the YNet news site, explained his decision to again close down the city’s schools: “Beersheba has the benefit of experience. We’ve had four direct hits on schools, and each of those times was when we were told to resume normalcy.”

I tell you, is this normal?