TEL AVIV — “You’re going to the pool? We’re freaking out here!” That was the reaction of a Toronto-based friend of mine a few days ago, knowing that I’m an avid swimmer. “What am I supposed to do? Go fetal?” I replied.

Life in Israel is surreal these days — as it has been since October 7. The tension is constant and ever-heightening. Since the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in a secure guest house in Tehran on July 31, things have been particularly charged.