Unfortunately, this is not the first time that I have had to run a city under rocket attack, and the residents of this city have grown accustomed, Im sorry to say, to living under fire once every several months. Around here, we call it a round. Hearing the frightening early warning sirens, running to the secure rooms and bomb shelters, experiencing those endless nerve-wracking moments awaiting the official announcement that something did, or did not, happen. This is the fourth or fifth round since Operation Cast Lead (Israels offensive in Gaza in Dec. 2008), when I had to run a city under fire for an entire month. Unfortunately, this city lost one of its sons, Moshe Ami, during the last round, when a missile directly struck his vehicle. Last weekend, like in previous rounds, the Iron Dome missile defense system proved amazingly effective, shooting down more than 90 percent of the rockets fired at us. This certainly contributes to the sense of security felt by the citys residents. But I will take every opportunity to reiterate and emphasize: those few times when the Iron Dome misses could cost human lives. Shrapnel from a Grad missile, or even from the Iron Domes own projectiles, could pose a danger. That is why as ask everyone to exercise the utmost care and abide by the safety regulations dictated by the Homefront Command. On Saturday, I got phone calls from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud. I briefed them on the developments in the city. They mainly wanted to hear about the stamina of the citys residents. I told them that the residents of Ashkelon were exhibiting strength and were ready to back the militarys operations and allow the government to do what it takes to eliminate the threat posed by Gaza terrorists. This is the sense I get from the citys inhabitants. My decision on Saturday to shut down the citys schools was made in consultation with military and security officials, and rested on my desire not to allow the residents to become target practice for terrorists. We are willing to pay the price - no school, the cancellation of shows and the disruption of civilian life as long as the prime minister and defense minister, whom I trust, will in fact do everything within their power to eliminate the threats of this round, and prevent future rounds. Even the homefront has its limits. The writer is the mayor of Ashkelon.
