Well unfortunately it looks like we will have to change our anniversary trip plans. Originally, we were flying to Thailand and then making our way to Tel Aviv. While July is still a ways away, I don’t see the conflict in Gaza ending any time soon.

A Note on the October 7 Attack

Part of my reasons for writing this blog is to take a break from life, but an article related to Israel has to discuss what is going on. Here is Out and Abroad’s position on the conflict knowing full well this topic requires thoughts the analysis that a blog post cannot even begin to develop.

• Hamas attacked, murdered, raped and kidnapped Israelis and Arabs alike because they are a despicable terrorist organization along the lines of ISIS
• Israel has every right to defend itself and retaliate just like the US did after 9/11
• The Israeli Prime Minister is garbage and should be replaced
• Hamas must release all remaining hostages
• Israel must avoid targeting civilians
• It is tragic that innocent Palestinians are in a way also held hostage by Hamas and are in the middle of this and suffering
• The constant ant-semitism from the Right and the Left alike is alarming and makes me more comfortable being Gay than Jewish these days
• Anti-Muslim or Arab and Anti-Semitic rhetoric is repugnant
• A Two-State solution is needed but the leadership on both sides needs to be replaced for it to happen

Why Are We Canceling

God-willing this conflict is over well before July, but I am not totally convinced it will be. On top of that the airline we were flying has cancelled all flights to Israel for the foreseeable future and is based in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE normalized relations with Israel a few years ago and began flying to Tel-Aviv not too long before the conflict began. Unfortunately, I cannot imagine these relations will remain normalized for long and flights connecting the two countries resuming by July.

Me Refiguring Out Our Trip Is Not Important in this Situation.

This is not a big deal at all in the grand scheme of things. I hope we can visit Israel soon and for a longer trip as going for a few nights after Thailand was already going to be a lot. I do suggest for more complicating trips to book one-way flights as half of our trip is still intact.

What’s Next

Continue hoping that the conflict will end asap. Matt and I will figure out how to get home from Thailand, but that is for a different day.

Hanukkah is all about hope. Let’s all hope for peace.

With love,

Andrew