Life on the Edge: Ora Hatan’s Resilience Amidst Conflict
In the small village of Shtula, located perilously close to the Israeli-Lebanese border, the atmosphere is thick with tension. The constant drone of surveillance aircraft fills the air, a reminder of the ongoing conflict that has plagued the region for decades. On a recent Tuesday afternoon, this unsettling backdrop was punctuated by the thunderous sounds of artillery fire, followed by the shrill wails of sirens warning residents of incoming danger. Yet, amidst the chaos, one woman remains steadfast in her resolve: Ora Hatan.
A Life Defined by Resilience
Ora Hatan, a 61-year-old resident of Shtula, embodies the spirit of resilience that characterizes many who live in this volatile area. While her neighbors hurried to seek shelter from the artillery fire, Hatan chose to stay in her home, a decision rooted in her deep connection to the land. “My parents came 80 years ago from Iraq. They were refugees in Iraq, and they didn’t come to Israel after thousands of years for their grandsons to be refugees in our country,” she shared in a heartfelt conversation with CNN. For Hatan, leaving her home is not an option; it is a matter of pride and belonging.
The Weight of History
Hatan’s family history is intertwined with the broader narrative of Jewish migration and survival. Her parents fled persecution and hardship, seeking refuge in a land that promised safety and a future. “It’s my country, it’s my home, it’s my land,” she asserts, emphasizing her commitment to remain in Shtula despite the looming threats. This sense of belonging is a powerful motivator for Hatan, who has witnessed the ebb and flow of conflict in the region, including the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 2006.
The Current Crisis
The recent escalation of violence, particularly following the October 7 terror attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza, has intensified fears along the northern border. The Israeli government evacuated approximately 60,000 residents from Shtula and surrounding areas, but Hatan’s determination to stay put reflects a broader sentiment among some locals who refuse to abandon their homes. “I think that we can protect the border by plane. Or to go (in) and come back… But not stay (in Lebanon), it’s too dangerous,” she explained, advocating for a solution that avoids further loss of life.
A Call for Peace
Hatan’s perspective on the ongoing conflict is both pragmatic and hopeful. “So why sacrifice people for this war?” she questions, highlighting the futility of violence in resolving deep-seated issues. Her belief in dialogue and negotiation as pathways to peace stands in stark contrast to the prevailing atmosphere of fear and aggression. As she navigates the complexities of life on the border, Hatan remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached through understanding and compromise.
Celebrating Amidst Chaos
Despite the turmoil surrounding her, Hatan is determined to maintain a sense of normalcy. As the Jewish New Year approached, she busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a lavish feast to celebrate the occasion. Cooking 50 chickens and dozens of pounds of beef, she aimed to share her culinary creations with the Israeli soldiers stationed nearby. “I’m sure that (Hezbollah) see me, that I live here, that I feed the animals and I’m staying here,” she remarked, embodying a spirit of defiance against the backdrop of conflict.
The Sounds of Nature and War
As Hatan prepared her festive meal, the sounds of jackals echoed in the distance, perhaps startled by the nearby artillery fire. This juxtaposition of nature and warfare paints a vivid picture of life in Shtula—a place where the beauty of the landscape is marred by the harsh realities of conflict. Yet, Hatan’s unwavering commitment to her home and her community shines through, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the chaos.
A Community Under Siege
The situation in Shtula is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by communities along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Residents live under the constant threat of violence, yet many, like Hatan, choose to remain, driven by a profound sense of identity and belonging. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.
As the world watches the unfolding events in this region, the voices of individuals like Ora Hatan remind us of the personal stakes involved in the broader geopolitical landscape. Her story is not just one of survival; it is a narrative of hope, defiance, and an unwavering commitment to the land she calls home.