Exclusive: Zionce Sees Devastation, Dedication and Even Beauty on Visits to Gaza

GAZA – (VINNews) What should have been a relatively routine trip to Israel to learn about the work of an organization that supports Israeli soldiers, the sick, and the needy, turned into a monumental experience for travel writer Shloime Zionce, who found himself unexpectedly making two visits to Gaza.

Zionce, who also serves as Ami Magazine’s White House correspondent, traveled to Israel shortly before Purim to get a firsthand look at the work of the Jerusalem-based Sa’ad U’Marpeh. Founded by Rabbi Moti Fried, a Belzer chosid, Sa’ad U’Marpeh has been a lifeline to soldiers since October 7th, providing them with care packages and freshly cooked meals on the front lines, among other services.

Fried had invited Zionce to Israel on multiple occasions to see what Sa’ad U’Marpeh does, and when a trip was finally arranged, Fried casually mentioned that it could include a visit to Gaza.

“I didn’t actually believe he was going to follow through,” Zionce told VIN News. “I thought he was talking big, but it turned out that he was quite serious.”

Fried took Zionce on two separate trips into Gaza. The pair brought Purim supplies to IDF soldiers at an outpost during an hour long stint in Gaza on their first day, and spent three hours visiting soldiers at outposts located near nearly nine mile long Philadephi Corridor that separates Egypt from Gaza on their second trip. Zionce donned a bulletproof vest and helmet for both excursions, making charitable donations through an online app before crossing the border into Gaza, and promising G-d that he would make even larger contributions upon his safe return.

Despite the fact that he was venturing into Gaza during a ceasefire, Zionce was warned by the soldiers he spoke to that fighting could break out at any moment. Their Philadelphi Corridor trip, which had them traveling with a convey from the Gaza border all the way out to the Mediterranean came with even more dire instructions on what to do if they were fired upon by Hamas soldiers. While those trips were peaceful ones, it was clear that the ground that they were covering had been the site of significant military activity.

“The amount of destruction that we saw was unreal,” said Zionce. “When Trump calls Gaza a wasteland and a demolition site, he isn’t kidding. Everything we saw was destroyed.”

Zionce was also well aware that even during a cease fire, Gaza is a dangerous place, where Hamas fighters can be hiding out in the rubble of what was once a building, waiting to ambush Israeli soldiers.

“They are finding new tunnels every day in Gaza, and Hamas is using drones to do surveillance on the soldiers and to deliver weapons to different militia groups,” noted Zionce.

Zionce and Fried were grateful for the opportunity to interact with IDF soldiers, who were elated to welcome their visitors.

“The soldiers are there, essentially putting their lives on the line for the sake of Israel and the Jewish people, and they can often feel like they’ve been forgotten, and like everyone else is enjoying their lives and getting ready for Purim while they are on a base,” said Zionce. They were thrilled to see us, and we were happy to come and bring them some joy.”

While many have condemned the IDF for bombing so much Gazan territory, Zionce was told by the soldiers he met that it was a necessary tactic to prevent future attacks by Hamas.

“War is ugly,” he said. “A lot of bad things happen.”

Despite the destruction, Zionce was able to see Gaza’s inherent beauty, describing its Mediterranean Sea shoreline as one of the most beautiful beaches he has ever seen. Zionce was told by one soldier that he very much prefers patrolling the Israeli side of the border to serving in Gaza.

“A lot of times you can forget what this is all about, but he explained that when he sees the beautiful land of Israel, where Jewish people actually live, it reminds him of why he is fighting,” recalled Zionce.

Asked what message he would like to share with the world about his trip to Gaza, Zionce didn’t hesitate.

“I want people to take a minute and think about the sacrifice that others, who remain essentially nameless, are making so that they can live a life of safety,” said Zionce. “It’s a huge sacrifice and I don’t think we think about that enough. I hope that there will come a time that no matter who is living in Gaza, that people of all colors, all backgrounds, and all religions will be able to go and visit and enjoy the beautiful place that G-d created.”

With Zionce’s visits to Gaza turning out to be a last minute addition to his morning itinerary, he made the decision not to tell his wife Mushky about his excursions into hostile territory until he was safely back home on Purim.

And her response?

“She was very happy that I was out,” said Zionce.