Hi,
It was unhappy independence Day. There are 59 hostages still held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza strip since October 7th for 573 days.
There were no independence Day celebrations today, but it was not because our brothers and sisters are held in Hamas captivity (as some people, and me among them, thing we should) but for the weather. And some say, it was the one up in the sky, who hints us.
It started with a forecast of strong winds, up to 110 km/hour (when 119 km/hour wind are defined as an hurricane). Most of the stages and the construction that were built for occasions such as independence Day are built for lower wind. The celebrations were canceled in many cities.
At noon a fire in lower Judean hills started to spread quickly. In some point people left their cars to burn on Highway 1 to Jerusalem and run by foot. Firefighters were called up from all around the country and could not manage to stop the fire. As firefighters are needed, and other emergency services are needed in the celebrations, they had to be canceled as well. The fire, it was reported was the biggest since the fire in Carmel mountain, if not bigger.
There were good conditions for fire: dry with strong winds. But as with the hostages, the point goes back the government and the Prime minister that govern it for the past 15 years – Bibi Netanyahu.
From the 2010 mount Carmel forest fire, that ended up with no Official Commission of Inquiry and no personal responsibilities. When the government was advised to purchase fire fighting helicopters in 2022, it was rejected by Itamar Ben Gvir because “they will used by police officer for personal use” (yes, the same Ben Gvir how is part of this government).
To October 7th disaster, which Bibi refuses to take responsibility or to set Official Commission of Inquiry for. After the resignation of Ronen Bar this week, the last of the professionals who were in charge in October 7th took responsibility. But still none of the politicians here even think of resignation.
Back to the fire today, that might have prevented or quickly stopped if some conclusions from the last fire were implemented.
Take Care
Gad
The smoke above Highway 1
The Facebook post of Carmel Shama, Ramat Gan mayor, at 20:00 about canceling Independence day celebrations about the time they were about to start (he took his time as other municipalities had announced the cancel today at noon)
Rambam square with some people who did not got the message on time or still wish for some holiday atmosphere in this Unhappy independence
Bialik (named after the poet) street in Ramat Gan, who was closed for the planned celebrations and merchants folding down their stands