Israeli tells Politiko about life amid rockets and midnight sirens: I'm not afraid! Foreign media does not reflect reality

For several days, daily life in Tel Aviv has changed following the recent attacks between Israel and Iran.

Nothing is the same as before as residents now live under the reddened sky of rockets, amid alarm sirens, and with everything that once functioned normally, such as shops, banks, schools, and even the airport, closed. 

Despite the tensions, Israeli citizens express confidence in the country's air defense systems, which have managed to neutralize most attacks.

This is the perspective shared in an interview with Politiko.al  by Yoel Cohen. He lives in Tel Aviv and works in the field of digital marketing.

Cohen has confessed that despite the escalation of tensions, he is not afraid because he believes that his country is doing the right thing. He even emphasizes the positions of the Israeli authorities that the war is against the Iranian government regime and not with its people. 

He also points out that these days, the international media is not really reflecting the real picture. " We've seen this happen on many occasions in recent years. I would even call it by its real name: anti-Semitism," Cohen emphasizes. 

Prepared by: Suela Gjidede

Full interview: 

How has your life in Tel Aviv changed since Friday morning when the Israel-Iran attack began?

I live in Tel Aviv and since the war started, many things here have completely changed. Many places are closed and we are under constant attack with rockets and endless sirens, especially at night. However, we know that what we are doing is the right thing at this time.

That is why we fully support our government and our military. When faced with an enemy that threatens us every day, there is no other choice - this is a war without choice. We had to act and we will win.
It is very important for me to emphasize that this war is not against the Iranian people. The people of Iran are wonderful and we love them. Our war is against the evil regime of the Iranian government.

Can you describe the current situation to us, what has happened specifically during these days where you live?

The current situation is that all shops, banks, schools and universities are closed - even the airport. But on the other hand, we are witnessing an extraordinary mobilization of neighbors helping each other, families and friends supporting each other, and the extraordinary solidarity we are receiving from people in different parts of the country - and especially from many friends around the world, including people in Iran.

 How are you experiencing the tension between Israel and Iran in your daily life?

The tension is certainly evident in the endless sirens and the number of missiles. It's not a pleasant feeling, but on the other hand, Israel has the most advanced defense systems in the world and some of the most sophisticated offensive capabilities.

We saw this in recent days through special operations conducted by the Israeli military inside Iran - military operations that you would normally only see in James Bond movies.

Do you feel scared and how protected are you currently?  

I don't feel afraid. I'm more worried about the little children and the elderly. I have complete trust and confidence in the Israeli government and our security forces.

What has been your scariest experience during the tensions between Israel and Iran?

My only concern has been that no Israeli pilots are harmed, that our naval forces remain safe, and that all of our security personnel - including our secret service agents working both inside and outside Iran - are not harmed.

 Was there a moment when you considered leaving Israel due to insecurity?

Absolutely not. The State of Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people and the only Jewish state in the world. This is our country. We will stay here forever and defend it with our lives.

What is being said in the local media about the situation and do you think the international media accurately reflects the situation between Israel and Iran?

Israeli media only reports the truth - there are no lies in Israeli media. The only information that is not published is subject to military censorship or information security restrictions.

Beyond that, it is clear to everyone that the international media does not really reflect the real picture - and this is a big mistake. It gives legitimacy to evil forces like the Iranian regime to gain international recognition. We have seen this happen on many occasions in recent years. I would even call it by its real name: anti-Semitism.

 Do you think there is hope for a peaceful solution, or is the fear of war always present?

The citizens of Israel have always believed in peace, and we always strive for peace. This time, we want peace - but we want peace with the people of Iran, not with its regime.

The regime in Iran must be dismantled and destroyed. Only then can we achieve true peace between the people of Israel and the people of Iran.