This came to me from a friend, who received it directly from the writer, who lives on a kibbutz (Mevo Hama) near the Syrian border:

It's been over two long weeks, two very long weeks. It is still quiet on Mevo Hama. We are so close to the border that if we get hit, Syria will be involved. Mevo Hama is like a refugee camp. Every house is occupied. Everyone has guests. We even have tents on the kibbutz. THe pool has become one of the social centers of the kibbutz. Everyday we sit and make small talk while trying to ignore the ketushas and artillary.
It's hard to stay liberal in this war. I would love a cease fire. I am terrified that Oodie will be called up. However, if there is a cease fire before IDF finish all will have been in vain. I knew it would take only a week for Israel to be the baddy once again. But there is one thing I should add. THere is a reason why Israel does have less civilian causualties. Israel takes measures to protect its citizens. By law each house has a shelter or a security room. If Israel had not taken such measures there would have been many more deaths. Maybe that would make us more popular on CNN.
For some reason citizen suffering in Israel isn't as sexy on the net. But there is suffering even if it isn't shown on TV. Across the lake, the citizens of Tiberias have been pounded for the last two weeks. Imagine living in a fall out shelter with 10 other families. These air shelters don't have air conditioning or television. In most areas there isn't enough food or water for the people in the shelters.
Haifa is empty. Metullah has been evacuated for the time being. It's summer vacation and the beaches are empty.
I feel bad for the Lebanese, but I feel worse for ourselves. So far we know three families who have lost loved ones. The problem is, I don't see a way to end this hate. There will be a cease fire, but only till the next war.