I used to love vacations. I would get excited about going to hotels.
Today, even if they paid me, I would not go.
Only home. Only home.
I will never forget the stillbirth I experienced and all the hardships on the way to becoming a mother and expanding our family.
I had a stillbirth; the pain was unbearable. I miscarried twins in the sixth month, which was extremely difficult. I also had a baby girl who was born with a heart defect and passed away during surgery.
My life was not easy. I went through very difficult and painful experiences that left a scar on my heart, but I continued living.
Today I devote myself to my wonderful grandchildren and do everything for them.
Since October 7, I have been on a long journey of displacement. At first, I was in my own home with my sister-in-law. I discovered everything that had happened when I woke up on the morning of Sukkot and saw that she had turned on the television.
From my home I went to Netanya, and after two weeks in Netanya I arrived here at the hotel.
When I arrived, I began to cry nonstop. I had to let it all out.
It is terrible to be taken out of my home. Now, after more than a year here, I do not know how I will return to my home. I have no sense of security in my own house — the home that was meant to protect me.
I have a large house, but I do not feel safe in it. I will return home only when I have no choice and when I am promised that I will not go through what we have been through.
But who can promise such a thing?
My husband passed away from liver disease at the age of 55 — so young. I was left alone and did not want to remarry.
No coffee, no meeting new people. I had one husband whom I loved very much, and that is it. I do not need a replacement.
This is what life wanted. I accept it.
We had a project for grandparents at the school, and I loved being with the children. I would go out with my grandchildren as a volunteer grandmother, travel with them, play and sing with them, go to “Golda” with my grandson, and buy ice cream for everyone.
I give from my whole heart and soul.
Grandchildren are life.
Mary Pinto, 70, born in Israel (Safed).
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel, Jerusalem.
Interviewer: Nava Tal
Ilana Amrusi, 69, born in Israel (Tiberias).
Her home is in Shlomi. Evacuated to the Dan Mount Scopus Hotel.
Interviewer: Nava Tal