Stark contrast: How Ukrainians and Israelis handle air raids
People in Israel are more "obedient" during rocket attacks (photo: Getty Images)
The war in Israel has been ongoing for quite some time, so local residents are prepared for missile strikes or escalations at any moment. Despite the fact that in Ukraine shelling could also occur at any time, the reactions of local residents to this are completely different, tells Israeli psychologist Zhanna Yakirevych.
How people in Israel and Ukraine respond to air raid alarms
According to Zhanna, people in Israel are very obedient. She emphasizes that this is even more so lately than before.
"People go into bomb shelters. If there are none, they go to places that can provide protection: corridors, rooms with two walls, etc., and people wait at least 10 minutes after the air defense system has been activated," the specialist explains.
Israelis are also constantly reminded of safety rules in case of shelling. If you find yourself on the street or on the road, you need to get out of the car and move away from it several meters, lie down on the ground, cover your head, or take cover in the nearest building.
People in Israel are more "obedient" during rocket attacks (photo: Getty Images)
Zhanna compares the response to air raid alarms in Ukraine, noting it's radically different.
"Unfortunately, what I hear from my friends in Ukraine is that people here tend to take cover much less. From my friends, I often hear: 'Yes, there was an alarm at night. I didn't even get out of bed.' This is concerning. However, it's important to know about safe places in every home," says Zhanna.
How locals perceive the unstable situation
"I remember my reaction when the shelling started on September 7th. It began at six in the morning, the day after I returned from abroad. Okay, shelling," the psychologist recalls.
In her opinion, Israelis' confidence in tomorrow is bolstered by an adequate number of air defense systems.
