As I sit at my computer to write this, I’m in Toronto, Canada. I hadn’t planned to be here today, but given everything happening in Israel, I am grateful to be safe.

On June 8, I left Israel for New York to spend three days with a close relative who is critically ill. Since I hadn’t seen her in a long time, I wanted to visit her before heading to Toronto to see my sons and then return home to Israel as quickly as possible. With my son-in-law currently serving in the IDF reserves, my daughter is alone with their four children. My husband and I make sure that one of us is always with her to help.

Soon after I arrived in Toronto, news broke of Israel’s campaign against Iran Operation Rising Lion. I felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was relieved that Israel was taking decisive action to protect its citizens and the world from the threat of a nuclear attack – a historic and courageous move. On the other hand, I felt deep anxiety about possible retaliation from Iran. I feared for the safety of my husband, children, and grandchildren. My son-in-law was immediately reassigned and returned to his reserve unit, and I quickly realized that I would not be able to return to Israel as planned.

Laura's son in law, Major J, currently serving in the IDF reserves.

Thankfully, friends and family here reached out with incredible warmth. Longtime friends offered me a place to stay, and before long I was well settled. Having lived in Toronto for over 35 years, it felt like coming home – but not quite. My heart and mind are constantly in Israel with my family. I follow every update, including alerts from the Home Front Command warning of missile attacks near my neighbourhood. I eventually turned off those notifications, they were causing more anxiety than reassurance.

Being away from Israel and watching everything unfold in real time has made me realize how differently the situation is experienced from a distance. My phone constantly pings with updates from Israeli news outlets and WhatsApp groups, and though I’m informed, I’m not there. I can only imagine what it feels like to live through these moments—and that makes the anxiety even more intense. I now have a much deeper appreciation for what my friends and family in the Diaspora endure during times of crisis.

A screenshot from the Red Alert app on Laura's phone, which sends real-time warnings, to Israelis giving them notice to find shelter during attacks.

While in New York and Toronto, I’ve had the opportunity to share some personal stories with the Jewish communities here; what it’s like to live through these events, the resilience of ordinary Israelis, and the inspiring wave of volunteerism. For example, my daughter lives in a city near Jerusalem where nearly 70% of families currently have at least one parent serving in the reserves. It’s incredibly stressful for the parent who remains at home, not to mention the children. Schools and camps are closed. Normal routines have disappeared. Add to that the stress of sirens, sprints to shelters, and the thunder of explosions, it's overwhelming.

And yet, when I speak to my daughter, she tells me, “Life has to go on.” She’s been offered help for many things such as babysitters, meal deliveries, and children's activities located near safe rooms. Her optimism gives me strength and a sense of hope.

My husband, too, is holding strong. He’s staying close to home and our safe room, but he’s also been invited to meals with friends and continues to volunteer wherever he can. In the early days of the campaign, he stayed with our daughter, which brought comfort to both of them. He has spent many nights in the safe room, but now, with missile warnings coming just five minutes in advance, he no longer feels the need to sleep there.

I’m closely monitoring the situation, hoping for news that Israel’s skies will reopen and commercial flights will resume. I hope to return next week, but reservations have yet to become available. In the meantime, I’ve used this unexpected time in Toronto to speak with friends and acquaintances who want to understand what life is like in Israel right now. Many ask how they can help. My answer is always the same, get involved with Israel Bonds.

Laura with her husband Rick and their grandchildren on a hike in Israel earlier this year.

Despite everything, I remain hopeful. I’m reminded daily that we are not alone. The outpouring of support for Israel, especially from the United States, fills me with strength. And I continue to believe in the resilience of our people and our country. We will rebuild. We will move forward. And Israel will continue to be the leader among the nations.

Am Yisrael Chai.

A look inside Laura’s bomb shelter in Israel, equipped with a bed, water, a fan, and essential provisions.