There are few situations in life that truly test your faith, your leadership, and your sense of humour, like leading a group of strong willed women through Jerusalem whilst Iranian missiles light up the sky like an apocalyptic light show.
Yes, I was head of the ship. Except this wasn’t a cruise. There were no sun loungers, just sirens, squabbles, and one very confident aunty who claimed she could predict missile strikes based on her knee pain.
We had come to Jerusalem for a spiritual retreat. What we got instead was a real time masterclass in crisis management, international diplomacy, and conflict resolution, with a side of falafel.
Missiles and Misunderstandings
Trying to hold a spiritual gathering while missiles are incoming is one thing. Trying to keep the peace amongst a group of women with very strong opinions on itinerary changes, room allocations, and missing phones? Now that’s another level of jihad.
One moment I was reassuring families back home, “Yes Mum, we’re all fine, missiles are far away,” and the next I was fielding questions like:
“Bana, who thought it was a good idea to pack this many thobes for this little wardrobe space?”
“Bana, she took my charger. AGAIN.”
“Bana, my roommate keeps switching the light on & disturbing my sleep!”
Rooftop Zikr, Because Why Not?
And yet, in the midst of it all, came the most surreal, beautiful moment: a rooftop zikr mehfil. Yes, rooftop zikr whilst Jerusalem was under missile fire.
Some said it was mad. But there we were, singing, praying, surrendering. Between the sirens and the skyline, something divine broke through. There was peace in the chaos. And possibly some passive aggressive glances when someone sang off key, but mostly peace.
Crossing the Jordan Border: Exodus 2.0
Eventually, our tactical team made the call: we decided to head for the Jordan border.
Leading a group of women across a volatile region with packed suitcases, frayed nerves, and heightened emotions? I’m pretty sure Moses had an easier time leading the Israelites, and at least he didn’t have to explain border control policies at 3 a.m.
There were tears, prayers, and the occasional misplaced sandal. But somehow, we made it, proof that spiritual resilience is real, especially when paired with strong tea and a functioning group WhatsApp.
Jeddah Airport: The Final Boss
You’d think escaping missiles and managing cross border logistics would be the hard part. Think again. Try transferring between terminals at Jeddah airport when you’re sleep deprived, short on riyals, and being shook down for a ridiculous visa fee no one warned you about, not to mention our taxi driver running out of fuel on the way to the next terminal with an hour to go.
At that point, I had survived war, internal mutinies, and inter aunty disputes. But that airport official nearly broke me.
Thankfully, years of leadership had trained me to always carry emergency currency, lip balm, and the patience of a Sufi master.
What I Learned
Faith is not tested in comfort, it’s tested in the chaos.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about standing tall when no one else wants to.
And women? We are the real force of nature, especially when pushed to our limits and denied decent Wi Fi!
I went to Jerusalem expecting a spiritual experience. I came back with a lifetime’s worth of stories, a crash course in conflict resolution, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with heart.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
I will remind myself that the One that put me in this situation will get me through this. Remain calm, be patient, be steadfast.
But next time, God willing, I’m booking direct flights, requesting visa clarity in advance, packing fewer snacks, and requesting diplomatic immunity… maybe!
Here is a message for all my fellow travellers:
You walked through fire, yet carry no smoke. Only the scent of something holy. What broke around you could not touch what lives within you. Welcome home, beloved travellers!
