A friend of ours from Baltimore asked me to put this on my blog To our sisters and brothers in Ashkelon - I am thinking of and praying for Ashkelon and Israel during this crazy time - especially for those special people who we were blessed to meet when we visited Ashkelon on the Baltimore Women's Mission in 2007, as well as their family and friends and neighbors, and the rest of the community and areas nearby! Please know that there are many of us here in the US who are thinking of you, and that we are doing what we can to make sure the truth of the situation is known - to ensure that the USA can be a true friend who will stand by Israel as she defends herself, now and always! May you be protected throughout this time, and be strong of heart! Sending all my best, Ellen Gillette