Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Despite suicide bombs, life goes on in Jerusalem

Mike O'Callaghan

Thursday, May 9, 2002 | 10:03 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan, executive editor of the Las Vegas Sun, is reporting from Israel.

TEL AVIV -- Wednesday the people of Israel buried the bodies and body parts of 15 friends, neighbors and relatives. They all died together in a pool hall and cafeteria in nearby Rishon Lezion when a suicide bomber detonated his weapon among them. More than fifty (50) were wounded and one of them died later in a hospital. At least fifteen (15) more remain in serious condition.

At the time the funerals were being conducted, another Palestinian bomber attempted to strike at a bus stop near Megiddo junction. His bomb exploded partially and prematurely leaving him seriously wounded. A soldier spotted him as a suspect just prior to the explosion. Because of the location of the junction there is reason to believe the bomber is from Jenin.

Tourists in local hotels are few and far between. Only one person, an American, was at breakfast in my hotel. He is on his way home after visiting his son, a U.S. army officer now assigned in another country with the United Nations. The visitor, a Vietnam veteran, wasn't restrained in his criticism of the people supporting and conducting suicide bombings.

Although there are few tourists, the evening street traffic is bumper-to-bumper. This city is not at all like it was during the Gulf War when the streets were empty long before sundown. Life goes on and Israelis still dine out at night. Some of my Israeli acquaintances who openly opposed the election of Sharon, now say he is the right man to meet today's challenges. Others who have been preaching peace at almost any cost are less willing to enter into discussions. A sales lady remarked, "we will see many more bombings and so will our friends in America." Then she went to wait on another customer.

Today all eyes are on Gaza, the home of a number of suspected terrorists and the command post of Hamas. Very little military action has been taken in that area. Reports coming from Gaza paint the militants as being cocky and ready to meet a military assault.

There remains little doubt there will be some retribution following the blood spilled in that Rishon Lezion pool hall. How or how large hasn't been announced.