A Charleston family has returned home safely after experiencing missile attacks in Israel during their vacation this week. The family, led by mother Rachel Anspach, was caught in the middle of the ongoing conflict, and the harrowing experience has left a profound impact on them. Anspach hopes their story will raise awareness about the human side of the conflict and the struggles faced by those living through it.
A Family’s Vacation Turned Into a Nightmare
Rachel Anspach, a local realtor and mother of three, had planned a family trip to Israel to visit friends and explore the country. The family arrived in Tel Aviv about a week and a half ago, where they spent four enjoyable days touring, visiting the beach, and meeting with friends. They also visited United Hatzalah, a volunteer emergency medical service, where her twins made donations through their Bar Mitzvah project.
However, their trip took a sudden and frightening turn when sirens began to go off shortly after Anspach shared photos and videos of their time in Israel on social media. “Right after I posted, the sirens started going off,” Anspach recalled. The family was immediately alerted by emergency notifications on their phones and rushed to take shelter as missile attacks began.
Life in the Shelters
The next four nights were spent in and out of bomb shelters as the conflict intensified. Anspach reflected on how the experience, though terrifying, gave her family a unique perspective on the realities faced by those living through the violence. “It puts the important things in life into perspective,” she said, noting how her children began helping the elderly in the shelters, offering chairs, water, and support to those around them.
Despite the panic and fear, Anspach observed how everyone in the shelters showed resilience and compassion, offering help to each other even during such a tense and dangerous time. “Yes, people are panicking, but they’re also so ready to help the person next to them hold their baby or get them a glass of water or just be supportive.”
A Challenging Journey Back Home
After several tense days and a canceled flight, the family’s journey back home was complicated. They had to travel through Jordan and Doha before finally landing safely back in Charleston. Anspach expressed how much the experience has deepened her empathy and passion for Israel. “Being able to empathize with what they’re going through and actually living through it is crazy,” she said.
A Renewed Advocacy for Peace
This harrowing experience has made the Anspach family more committed to advocating for peace in the region. “At the end of the day, people want peace, and Israel wants peace. And that always has to be the main takeaway,” Anspach said. While their summer vacation turned into a frightening ordeal, it also strengthened their connection to Judaism and fueled their desire for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
