Student reports from Tel Aviv: "Where were you last night? We missed you in the bunker."
The conflict between Israel and Iran is escalating. How are people on the ground experiencing the situation? We spoke with a German exchange student in Tel Aviv.
While bombs are raining down on Iran , Israel has so far been spared a large-scale retaliatory attack. Apparently, the Israeli army has prepared its attack on the Iranian regime in such a way that it has little opportunity for a massive counterattack. As a result, Tel Aviv was relatively quiet during the day, reports Paul Diedrich, who is currently on exchange there. However, Tel Aviv residents had to seek shelters in the morning.
During the early evening phone call with him, birds can be heard in the background. It seems idyllic. Just a few minutes later, he texts: "I have to go to the bunker now. The alarm has been triggered. I can no longer be reached." Dozens of people are injured in the evening Iranian attack, and rockets are intercepted and explode in the sky directly above Diedrich's campus.
Mr. Diedrich, where are you speaking to us from?
I'm currently in my student apartment, right next to Tel Aviv University in northern Tel Aviv. The atmosphere around me is actually quite peaceful. Birds are chirping, a few people are playing soccer in the park and courtyard. However, when I was outside two hours ago, the small supermarket next to the university was out of water. Basic groceries were sold out because people were stocking up on them.
How can you imagine the atmosphere there?
Totally relaxed, not at all hectic. The streets are obviously much emptier. I'm reminded of the first coronavirus lockdown . But that only affected northern Tel Aviv. Friends who live in the center near a popular café told me that it was busy again after the Iranian drones were shot down. You can tell that people still want to get out. The Pride parade was supposed to be today, and the city center was prepared for it. You don't let it spoil your life.
What brought you to Tel Aviv? Are you considering leaving the country?
I'm currently doing a semester abroad at Tel Aviv University and just returned from a short trip to Vienna the day before yesterday. I'm glad I was able to get into the country. I'm not currently considering leaving Israel. I feel safe here; the bunkers are nearby; I know that the air defense system and the Israeli army are doing everything they can to ensure nothing happens here. My exchange lasts until the end of July, and I plan to stay here until then.
Does that mean you have already arrived in a war situation in the country?
Exactly. I actively decided to go to Israel and spend the semester abroad. I'm concerned with anti-Semitism , and after October 7, 2023, it was important to me to come to Israel to avoid international isolation. I had prepared myself for situations like the current one. There have been many air raid sirens before, even though the current escalation is completely different.
How do you prepare for something like this?
Mentally. I thought long and hard about whether it was even a good idea to travel from the safety of Germany to a war zone. I knew it could be tough for me. However, I always have the option of leaving the country if things get really bad. That's my luxury. I also installed the various warning apps.
How did you experience last night and this morning?
I overslept. There are various warning apps, and I only had the one for rocket alerts activated. And I was wearing earplugs. I met a fellow student on the street earlier who said, "Where were you last night? We missed you in the bunker." That mustn't happen again. When there's a rocket alert, we go to the stairwell, but that's only good for small rockets. With what's expected now, I should go to the big bunker. And I've now activated all the apps and packed my emergency backpack with food and drink in case I need to leave quickly.
How do people in Tel Aviv view the coming days?
A friend who has lived here since September 2023 and witnessed October 7th said she's worried. The events evoke traumatic memories, which is why she's staying close to her house and bunkers. What I've noticed elsewhere is that people are preparing for the worst, but with typical Israeli composure.
Berliner-zeitung
