illrir ---- As Israel Awaits An Iraq War that certain large public parks have already been earmarked as sraelis, like people every- emergency cemeteries in case where, have their eyes of large numbers of casualties. fixed on that yet- 8. But we have other con- unknown date when the cerns as well. Will Sharon and U.S. will attack Iraq. the Likud really win the Jan. But for Israel there are far- 28 election, as forecast? Will reaching implications which other parties join in a national will deeply affect life in this CARL unity coalition? How will the country. The mood in Israel ALP ERT Arabs vote, if at all? What today? Not panic, not fear, not Spe cial about the religious vote? The confusion, but a great many Comm entary policies of the state will be questions, some related to the determined accordingly. Iraq crisis, and many more 9. Let's not forget the economy. growing out of the country's other Unemployment is rising. Will we still unique problems. have a job in mid-year? Will our store In general, folks don't often discuss or business be able to stay above these matters, except in family circles, water? What will happen to the Tel but probe the mind of an average Israeli these days-and one is apt to find the fol- Aviv stock exchange? 10. And speaking of water — the lowing questions, seeking answers. winter has made a good start, but 1. When will the U.S. strike? we're going to need a lot more rain to Immediately after our elections at the replenish our dangerously diminished end of January? In mid-February? It's water reserves in the Sea of Galilee and important for us to know. in the underground aquifers. 2. How will the Iraqis react? Last 11. Oh yes, terrorism. Will it con- time, they rained 39 Scud missiles on tinue, decline, expand? What should Israel and it was a miracle that only our policy be? Fight it vigorously? one fatality resulted. But this time Offer the Palestinians a generous com- there is talk of deadly biological or promise? chemical weapons of mass destruction. 12. In the meantime, how will we 3. In case of a major bombing of be affected by the growing wave of Israel will we react by counter blows anti-Semitism in the world? Will the against Iraq? And if so, how will the world clamp down on Israel and com- Muslim-Arab world react? pel it to accept a well-armed, hostile 4. We are told to be ready. Shall we state of Palestine next door? prepare sealed rooms in our homes 13. Will our kinsmen overseas, col- and check our gas masks? The boxes lectively known as world Jewry, stand containing the masks carry a note to by us through thick and thin? Is there the effect that they should not be any chance of large-scale immigration opened until there is need. How can from the diaspora? we practice? 14. Will those few naive, humanity- 5. What should we stock up on? loving Jews in Israel and abroad, who Bottled water, we are advised, in case are today loudly making common of a break in the drinking water sup- cause with the Arabs, finally awaken ply. How much non-perishable food? to the fact that they are acting as How long will the crisis last? unwitting collaborators with a people 6. To leave the country and take who have made it clear that their goal What we hope will be a short vacation is the ultimate destruction of Israel? overseas, or remain stoically at home, There are more problems as well, or seek some domestic resort here, like but despite them all and despite the Eilat or the Negev, far from thickly tension, life appears to go on almost populated areas which will be prime normally. Weddings and bar mitzvahs targets? Jerusalem is considered safe take place with rejoicing. Crowds turn because the Muslims will not wish to out for sports events. Children go to endanger their own holy spots. school daily. Books are published and 7. Shall we pessimistically check our read. Television programs are followed wills? After all, it has been announced avidly and folks pursue their hobbies. Carl Alpert is a U.S. native who made Security precautions are evident, but aliyah in 1952. He is former head of the these are now accepted as part of nor- mality. After all, we have been through Zionist Organization of America's edu- times like these more than once in our cation department. His e-mail address is short recent history. ❑ alpert@techunixtechnion.ac.il Haifa At i1111111. . 11111 1111 ► LIFM111117,: A BUILDING Let the pros from CONSTRUCTION ZONE put our 26 years of building experience to work for your family. 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