Mother’s Day has always been a tender moment for me—a day to pause, to breathe, and to thank God for the privilege of being a mother. But living and raising children in Israel has shaped my understanding of motherhood in ways I never expected. It has tested my heart, deepened my faith, and shown me firsthand that love is stronger than fear.

When I think about being a mother in Israel, I often think about the contrasts between the Holy Land and the United States, where I grew up. In America, childhood felt wide and open. There was space to run, to dream, to grow without the constant sense of danger. Here in Israel, childhood is beautiful too—full of community, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging—but too often it’s shadowed by realities that no parent would wish upon their child.

In Israel, our children grow up hearing sirens. They grow up always knowing where the nearest shelter is. They grow up understanding words like “terror,” “war,” and “threat” far........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)