Summing up the past two months – between happiness and frustration.

How can I sum up this crazy summer?

In the past eight weeks I have been through an emotional roller coaster. I’ve been up and down, high and low, frustrated and hopeful, but most of all – surprised, because of so many things…

What started as yet another July, where my worries were mainly final exams and the fear that Argentina would lose the World Cup, turned to be the toughest two months of my life. After the news of the “>has been firing at the cities near Gaza occasionally in the past 14 years.

When the rockets continued to fly above our heads, heading to central Israe, it was clear that we are on the verge of another military operation in Gaza. Remembering Operation Pillar of Defense from 2012, we were prepared for a 7-10 war from the air, which, like the last operation, would silence Hamas for a while. In the meantime, the battle online to save Israel’s good name from lies and anti-Israel propaganda also started, as those of us who weren’t called for reserve duty took over Facebook and Twitter.

I don’t really remember when it was that I realized this operation will be different from the one before. I think this feeling first came upon me when a “code red” missile alert siren was heard in my hometown, and for the first time in my life, “>countless hateful remarks and finding comfort in shows of support.

There was no escapism for us, Israelis. The regular broadcast schedule changes completely, and the Israeli channels on television broadcasted the news, 24/7: From constant updates, to live reports from all over the country to commentary by everyone who is someone. The songs played on the radio were constantly interrupted by live reports of “code red” alert, and from the day our first soldier died, the leading radio stations also stopped playing upbeat tunes. Gradually, I lost any feeling of joy or happiness. I was turned off, unable to even think about anything other than the situation. I spent hours each day fighting anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism online, trying to swim against a big wave of bigotry and hatred. Moreover, I witnessed my united society crumbling  down, as extremists from the far left and far right sides of the political map started turning against each other in protests (some violent) that took place across the country. When our soldiers started to lose their lives on the battlefield, the frustration and sorrow grew. Every Facebook post or Tweet calling our soldiers, my brother among them, “children killers” infuriated me. When international news channels continued portraying the Israel Defense Forces as the “bad guy” in this story, even after knowing how Hamas uses its civilians as human shields, I started losing hope in mankind.

Then, a first ray of light penetrated the darkness. It was when the Israeli solidarity I love so much started to show, and made more noise than the sounds of hatred. Israel flags were hung outside of porches and on cars’ windows; rallys supporting our soldiers took place; thousands of people donated food and other necessities to our soldiers and everyone pitched in to help. To top that, more and more pro-Israel demonstration took place abroad, and for the first time since the beginning of the operation, my Facebook feed was filled with more love than hatred.

The people of Israel have been fighting for their right to exist for more than 66 years now. Time and time again, we must prove ourselves worthy of this small yet coveted piece of land. We must face more than a fair share of threats, from terror organizations to public opinion and international pressure, but every single time we overcome them all with pride and dignity. What makes it all possible is our unity and solidarity, which you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world, and probably won’t be able to understand until you’ll experience it first hand. Sometimes we lose our way, but we eventually, we always find the right path.

The Israeli unity and solidarity, along with the amazing wave of support from people all around the world, are what helped me get through what started as an operation, but ended up as a war. I hurt for the ones we lost, and for the ones who are still blinded by hate, but look forward with a smile and a sense of pride. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND FOR STANDING WITH ISRAEL!