My life got hijacked (again)

My life has been hijacked once again. I mean, how many lives can one woman live?

You’d think with all my experience, I’d be ready or at least better prepared for this. But no, every hijacking feels the same, leaving me breathless. One day, I’m one person; the next, I’m someone entirely different. Everything that once mattered becomes meaningless overnight.

I could dwell on this feeling, but I’ve been there before. I recognize an era change when it happens. Another bold line is drawn on my timeline. A marker of before and after. Unlike other significant events like having children or getting married, eras come without warning. They’re defined by their surprise, leaving no room for planning or control. You’re forced to abandon your old life and start anew.

Era moments take everything with them, even what you thought was your “purpose.”

There was a “before cancer” Abby and an “after cancer” Abby. Now, there’s a “before October 8th” Abby and an “after October 8th” Abby.

The fight for my children’s lives feels the same as battling cancer. The fear is familiar, but instead of monitoring heart rates in a hospital, I’m witnessing calls for the death of Jews.

While the emotions are similar, the battle is different. Fighting cancer was logical and rational. It was a battle against rogue cells, supported by the entire human race’s scientific community. But fighting hate is different. Hate defies logic and facts. Hate doesn’t listen to data.

So, my life has been hijacked again. I’ve put all educational projects on hold and turned down lucrative offers. My focus is now on Israel and ensuring its right to exist, so my children have a future. Jacob didn’t beat cancer only to be killed for his religion.

Not on my watch.

Time to update my LinkedIn and business cards: Educator, Student, Zionist.