SectionRead the video transcriptionexpand here
They were on their honeymoon, on exchange studies or on vacation: now many Israeli reservists and relatives are on their way back to defend their homeland, as they are here at Düsseldorf Airport.
Ami Lavie: "I have three sons who are in the army now. One is in the south, two remain in the north. As a father, I'm worried."
Djanit Bär: "It's more stressful not to be at home than to be there – with everything that's going on there. We live in the north. Yesterday, all the residents in the north were in the shelters because they thought that something had happened in Lebanon. Still, I'd rather be in the shelter – with my people, my family, my animals."
In response to Hamas' attacks, Israel has mobilized 360,000 reservists, most of whom are already on the ground. Military service is compulsory for almost all residents of Israel, both men and women. They can later be convened up to the age of 40, and even beyond in the event of a national emergency.
Shimone: "I didn't get a draft notice from the army. But all my friends received a message via WhatsApp, and they all said yes right away. All of them are already fully equipped. They've already started work, so we have to join them."
Ofir: "I have to be part of the great intervention that is taking place in Israel. Part of this important time in Israel, alongside friends and family, alongside all the injured and murdered people."
The Israeli army on Thursday strengthened fortifications for its border troops in the Gaza Strip as airstrikes continue. The military has reservists picked up from Europe by transport planes. Many foreign airlines are currently no longer flying to Israel, but Israeli airlines are offering additional flights to bring people back.