Star, you are so kind to think of me, but don't worry. Beirut is in Lebanon, and Israel's border (on the north) with Lebanon is very tightly closed and patrolled, so we don't have to worry on that score.
Today we celebrated Israel's Independence Day. It is a wild day, preceded by our national Remembrance Day for all those who have fallen in Israel's wars, as well as for those killed in terror attacks. That was yesterday, and it was a very sobering day. And then last night, we go from mourning and sadness, into joy and celebrations. It has been a lovely day, with bands and singing and dancing and fireworks, and today people going on trips (not me, I prefer to stay off the roads) and lots of barbecuing (yes me, in our garden, with lots of people, family and friends). Our airforce did a fly-past throughout the country, with a really big display on the Tel Aviv shore which I saw on TV.
It has been a lovely day, now I have to get back into the old work routine. Boo hoo!
Thanks for asking,
Love, Esther