A Costa Rican Living in the Shadow of War
Isabel Martinez, a Costa Rican resident in Israel, narrates her chilling reality amidst the escalating conflict. Living near Giv’atayim, Tel Aviv, Isabel is one among the 370 Costa Ricans registered with the Consulate in Israel, witnessing firsthand the harsh brutalities unfolding daily.
15 Seconds to Safety: Living on the Edge
Alarm sounds have become an unnervingly regular part of life, leaving residents with a mere 15 seconds to seek refuge. The area, though relatively less affected, isn’t insulated from the sonic echoes of bombardments executed by Hamas members on Israeli territory, triggering alarm systems regularly.
Adjusting to Unimaginable Realities
Coming from Costa Rica, a country without a military, Isabel finds the circumstances in Israel difficult to comprehend, with deserted streets and a populace constantly living on edge. “It’s heartbreaking to hear news about individuals losing their family members or getting kidnapped. The situation is truly shocking,” expressed a tearful Isabel during an interview on Sunday.
Responding to the Call: Mobilizing Reserves
Following the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for reservists in the face of war, many, including Isabel’s close acquaintances, have had to respond. Family members, students, and even family heads are being summoned to bases, required to join the reserves and actively participate in countering Hamas’s attacks.
A Recurrent Threat: Living Amidst Attacks
This isn’t Isabel’s first experience with conflict since moving to Israel. Past incidents have left their mark, but the current conflict, according to her, is significantly more daunting as attackers have entered Israeli territory, targeting agricultural colonies (kibutz).
Kidnappings Add to the Crisis
Adding another layer to the crisis are kidnappings conducted by the group upon entering Israel. “This is unprecedented, at least during the time I’ve been living here, and words fall short in describing the sorrow enveloping the heart,” Isabel shared.
Staying Put Despite Rising Violence
Despite the escalating violence, returning to Costa Rica isn’t on Isabel’s agenda, primarily due to her marital commitment to her Israeli husband. Life attempts to move at its regular pace amidst the turmoil, with many locals striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
Supporting Each Other Through Crisis
Isabel’s husband, like many others, continues his daily routine, preparing and dispatching meals to the more conflict-ridden southern regions. The efforts are aimed at providing sustenance and support to soldiers and civilians alike, trapped in grim situations due to the ongoing conflict.
Nationwide Functionality Amidst Conflict
The Costa Rican Chancellery has confirmed that essential services, including electricity, telecommunications, and internet, remain operational in Israel. The Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv continues to function, albeit with several flights facing cancellations and delays.
Monitoring & Support by Costa Rican Embassy
The embassy and consulate of Costa Rica in Israel are vigilantly monitoring the unfolding situation, standing ready to extend necessary support to Costa Rican citizens affected by the crisis.
Resilience Amidst Chaos
For Isabel and many others, the situation in Israel is a test of endurance and resilience amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and conflict. The echoes of war create an environment of constant tension, with individuals like Isabel, originally from peaceful Costa Rica, finding themselves adapting to a life where alarm sounds and refuge-seeking have become the norm.
