It’s very unusual for me to be without words, but I have found myself in this state for a number of months. I’ve been battling with debilitating physical vertigo at the same time that our beautiful, tiny country has been battling with the existential vertigo of war. I’ve turned to myself over and over again and said, “Romi, don’t you have anything to say?” And the answer that has come back has been “no.”

Today, I was privileged to enjoy a beautiful walk around the neighborhood, and I was touched by the presentation of flags draped on every branch, hanging from every roof, flapping on the side of every car. We’ve just finished one of the emotionally hardest weeks of the Israeli year, as we mourn for those we’ve lost on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and then celebrate the establishment of the State on Yom Haazmaut (Independence Day). The flags are still up, and they are such a brilliant reminder of our love for country, our commitment to our future, and our continued fight for survival.

I hope you’ll enjoy the display as much as I did.