It’s 2 a.m. and once again we are jolted awake by sirens. “Ah, those Houthis again,” I grumble to myself as we rush into the shelter, where our son is hastily closing the iron shutters.
We are not alone. More than a million Israelis share our fate that night. The Houthis in Yemen have once again fired ballistic missiles at Israel. In the shelter, between the muffled beeps of our cell phones and the quiet voices of our neighbors, I realize the irony of the situation: a group far away in Yemen, a country with such deep ties to Jewish history, manages to keep us awake for nights here in Israel.
Yemenite roots
Israel is a nation shaped by the diversity of its immigrants. Many Jews are of Yemenite origin, bringing with them their rich culture and traditions. This community, known as “Temanim,” has enriched not only Israeli music and art, but also its cuisine. Think of the aroma of jachnun, the crispy malawach, or the spiciness of s’chug, the famous Yemenite chili sauce. I am...
Become a Member
-
Read all member content
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.
-
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel
Connect with Israel, right from your home.
-
Lift up the voice of truth and hope
Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.
Already a member? Login here.
