Love Amid Adversity: Aaron & Tamar's Challenging Wedding Day In Israel

The story of Aaron and Tamar Greene, a couple who found their way to the altar despite the chaos of conflict, is proof of the strength of the human spirit. This is a tale of love, commitment, and a steadfast belief in the power of togetherness.

As the world watched with bated breath, Aaron and Tamar were preparing for one of the most special days of their lives - their wedding day. But destiny had a different plan. Bombs began to rock Israel,  the land they call home. The juxtaposition of love and chaos, hope and despair, would define their journey towards wedded bliss.

Aaron reminisces about a text he received from their wedding planner, a few days before the planned Oct. 11 wedding. It read, "Have a restful Shabbat because next week's going to be crazy." Little did they know just how prescient those words would be.

Suddenly, Aaron and Tamar found themselves amid a conflict. The militant group Hamas launched a relentless assault on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and sending an estimated 1,000 terrorists into the country from the neighbouring Gaza Strip. The toll was devastating, with at least 900 lives lost and 2,600 people injured.

Israel's response was swift. The Israel Defense Forces declared war and launched retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza. For years, 2 million Palestinians had lived under a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. Palestinian authorities reported a harrowing number of casualties, with at least 900 dead and 4,500 wounded.

Love Knows No Bounds

The conflict was especially worrisome for the couple because Aaron Greene was also a reservist with the Israel Defense Forces, serving as a paratrooper. He watched as his friends were called into duty, and the call to serve himself soon followed. His heart was torn between his love for Tamar and his duty to protect his country.

With their lives in turmoil, Aaron and Tamar made a courageous decision to advance their wedding plans. They exchanged vows two days ahead of their scheduled date, in a heartwarming ceremony on the rooftop of a multi-family building where Aaron's family lived. Family and friends who had gathered in Jerusalem for the original date witnessed the ceremony in person, while it was livestreamed for those who couldn't be there.

A Moment of Joy Amidst Turmoil

Their wedding day was not free from disruptions, as sirens once again interrupted their celebrations. Rockets in the sky meant that the wedding guests had to take refuge in bomb shelters. But amidst these trying moments, something beautiful happened. 

Aaron and Tamar revealed to Good Morning America that when they posed for wedding photos, the streets came alive with people dancing and playing music to celebrate their love. Strangers joined in, creating a moment of pure joy and resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can prevail. 

Looking to the Future

As they navigate an uncertain future, Aaron and Tamar Greene hold onto the memory of that dance amidst the chaos. Aaron is still waiting to hear when and where he will be deployed, and the duration of his absence remains uncertain. It's a situation that's difficult to comprehend, with families separated by the call of duty.

Their wedding, set against the backdrop of a war-torn Israel, is a symbol of hope, reminding us that in the face of adversity, love can conquer all. Their story is not just a tale of love; it is a classic exmaple of  human spirit's enduring strength. Amdist devastating conflict, they found love, and in love, they found the strength to carry on. 

Suggested reading  : Israel-Palestine Crisis: Children Remain Most Affected As War Escalates