FROM ODESA: Ukrainian Ilona moved with her family to Israel for a better life. – It is ironic in many ways. Photo: Private
Three weeks ago she gave birth to a son. Now Ilona (30) and the baby seek refuge in a bomb shelter in Ashkelon, while her husband is called up to fight against Hamas.
– It’s sad to say, but after living here for 27 years I’ve almost gotten used to this, says 30-year-old Ilona Strekalov to VG.
She was born in Ukraine, but grew up in Israel and lives in Ashkelon on the Gaza Strip, where fierce battles have been fought in recent days.
On Saturday morning, she had to take cover in a bomb shelter with her three-week-old baby, after the Islamist military group Hamas unexpectedly attacked several places in southern Israel.
– We woke up to the sound of rockets and loud sirens, and immediately ran to the shelter. The last few days have been traumatic, so to speak. It has created many existential questions, says Ilona.
Afraid of his son
For several hours, the new mother sat with her son in her arms, while the bombs fell.
– There were no breaks. Every time I tried to leave the room to get breast milk for my baby, the sirens would come on again.
Ilona says that several friends and acquaintances are missing, and that she does not know whether they are alive or not.
IN COVERAGE: Ilona says that she does not dare to leave the bomb room in Ashkelon. Photo: Private
– Our country is under attack. What Hamas has done is inhumane. There are no other words to describe what has happened, she says.
– All I can think about is how to protect my son from this madness.
Background: This is the conflict
Ilona works as a teacher at a primary school, and has lived in Israel since she was three years old. At that time, her Ukrainian parents moved from Odesa to Ashdod. The 30-year-old says that Ashdod has also been attacked, and that her mother is in cover with her.
– My parents moved here to have a better life. It is ironic in many ways.
Called up to the army
Ilona’s husband, who is a trained agricultural specialist, is not with her and her son. He was called up to the Israeli military at the weekend, which has mobilized enormous forces in the counter-attack on Hamas.
The Israeli army (IDF) has called in around 300,000 reserve forces to assist in the fight, and an Israeli ground invasion is imminent.
– He is stationed in Jerusalem right now. I spoke to him earlier today and luckily he is still around.
SEPARATE: Ilona pictured with her husband, who has been drafted into the Israeli army following the Hamas attack. Photo: Private
The 30-year-old says they don’t dare leave the shelter. During the conversation with VG, Ilona loses the power supply and the internet several times.
– Fortunately, we have food, water and supplies. Right now we are as safe as we can be. Others have not been so lucky.
The war between Palestinian Hamas and Israel continues on Tuesday into its fourth day. At least 130 Israelis have been taken hostage and taken to the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces have responded to the attacks with full force. Large parts of Gaza lie in ruins, including the Jaliba refugee camp.
So far, over 1,500 people have been killed on both sides.
– The deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust, said Middle East expert Marte Heian-Engdal to VG on Monday.
Published:
Published: 10.10.23 at 11:29
Copy linkCopy linkShare on FacebookShare on FacebookShare by emailShare by email
2023-10-10 09:29:45
#cover #newborn #baby #Inhuman
