Rockets from Lebanon: Daily Life in Northern Israel in the Shadow of the Iran War

Disclaimer: This episode was made with AI.

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In this episode of “In Crisis Mode”, FUNKE reporter Jan Jessen is on the ground in Israel. He speaks with residents who barely sleep at night, with a social worker caring for elderly and sick people, with restaurant owner Daniel Dorfman from Metulla, who now only opens his establishment for take-away, and with security expert Sarit Zehavi from the Alma Center.

The episode shows what the Iran conflict feels like at Israel’s northern border—and why the crisis has long since extended far beyond Gaza.

Guest Voices / Participants:

Shira Bar, resident of Metulla
Daniel Dorfman, restaurant owner from Metulla
A social worker from Metulla and an assistant delivering food to elderly and sick people
Abid, community manager in the Arab village of Aramshe
Sarit Zehavi, analyst and head of the Alma Research & Education Center

🧭 Chapter Overview

1 – Under Fire in Northern Israel

Jan Jessen provides context: war between the USA/Israel and Iran, Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon, almost daily rocket alerts in the north—and what this means for people living along the border.

2 – Metulla: Shira and Sleepless Nights

A walk through the nearly empty border village of Metulla. Shira describes nights with sirens and explosions, friends who have fled—and why she chooses to stay despite the fear.

3 – “Zero Seconds’ Warning” – Daniel Dorfman Amid Rocket Fire

Restaurant owner Daniel recounts the “worst night” since the start of the war: zero seconds’ warning, debates over evacuation—and why he consciously stays to defend his home.

4 – Elderly in the Bunker – The Social Worker from Metulla

A social worker and her assistant care for elderly and sick residents. They describe what happens to those who can’t reach shelters in time—and why many found long evacuations more difficult than the bombardment itself.

5 – Aramshe and Tel Aviv: Arab Village and Underground Hospital

Community manager Abid from Aramshe talks about his connection to the land, inadequate shelters, and fear of invasion. The episode also visits Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv—daily life in a state of emergency.

6 – “50 Attacks a Day” – Analysis by Sarit Zehavi and Jan’s Summary

Security expert Sarit Zehavi explains Hezbollah’s strategy, the short warning times, and the role of the Lebanese army. Jan concludes why this war goes far beyond Gaza and could destabilize the entire region.