Discussion with a 16 year old Israeli boy from Hadera

[GreenPartyVoter]

I was playing a game online and befriended this young man this afternoon. I don't have a verbatim transcript but this is the gist of what was discussed. (There was no reason for him to lie to me about any of this. No way for him to know that I like to discuss politics and current events. It was just a chance meeting on the internet in a silly little game where you can beat up monsters....)

He told me he was from Israel and I replied that I hoped he was safe.

Him: They told us to be ready, though. They expect the bombs to come soon to Hadera.

Me: I can't imagine living with that kind of fear.

Him: I lived with it all my life. People will tell you that they aren't afraid, but they lie. They will wet their pants when the bombs drop just as anyone would.

Me: I hate war, but I am lucky enough to have never had to live through it myself here in America. I feel so badly for all the families who are going through that.

Him: It's a way of life here.

Me: Is there any way you can think of that would make this stop?

Him: It's the governance. They do this.

Me: Yes, I know. I am so sorry you are all caught up in this.

Him: It's not your fault.

Me: No, but my government likes to go to war too....

Him: We have enough weapons to destroy them. I think if there is no peace soon we will wipe them away....

Me: I know you do. We sold them to you. I wish you could find a peace where everyone has a home, food, a job. That families were safe.

Him: In 18 months, if this is not over, they will come to take me away and make me fight. But I will do it. I want to protect my family. Give people a reason to remember me after I am dead, at least.

Me: I hope You don't die. I hope that peace can be made. I know that here, people have gone to war, but they are not always remembered. I really hope you do not have to go. You are so young.

Him: I probably will die. (long pause) I have to go now. This is my cousin's computer. I am just borrowing it. No job and I cannot afford my own.

.....

I got his email. I hope to hear from him again. *sad sigh*

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Thx for the vote *wave*

[jonnyblitz]

2. k&r

:hi:

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Thx Jonny. :^) Guess i shoulda titled this in some outrageous

fashion to get anyone's attention. (Although the Recs were nice, thx everyone!) :)

[sabra]

4. thank you

very raw stuff.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. Yah.. he was looking for me overnight in the game

but he was gome by time i got there... off to see if he emailed me