Since last Wednesday, I’ve been caught in an inner whirlwind. On the outside, I had to remain calm and do my best to focus on the conference aboard our Norwegian fjords cruise. But deep inside, an old enemy had reared its ugly head: fear.
I am one of the Israelis who fly most frequently with Emirates. But ever since the war began three years ago, Emirates has suspended its flights to Israel, forcing me to use flydubai for the legs between Tel Aviv and Dubai.
Every time I boarded one of those planes, my stomach churned. So often, I wondered whether we would make it safely to Dubai or Tel Aviv, knowing the plane was packed with Israelis while being operated by a crew I struggled to fully trust.
My way of fighting those fears was always prayer, followed by watching videos to take my mind off them, since reading during flights is hard on my eyes.
I’ve taken this very flight dozens of times. Each time we landed safely, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I’ve always admired the Emirati courage to stand against terrorism and antisemitism. I’ve always felt very safe in Dubai. Yet on those flights, I was nervous and, yes, I can admit it, a little scared.
More than once, the thought crossed my mind that a threat might come from inside the cockpit rather than from among the passengers.
Then the very scenario I had feared became a reality. My worst nightmare had unfolded, and the fears I had fought for so long suddenly felt painfully real.
As things stand, all my upcoming flights to Asia are still booked with flydubai and Emirates. I’m trying to find alternative flights, but deep inside, I know flying will never feel quite the same again.
So if you ever wonder how you can pray for me, here is another reason. Please pray for God’s peace to quiet these fears and for His protection as I continue traveling.
Awaiting His Soon Return – Amir