In this column, Brian Lilley reflects on visiting Israel shortly after the October 7 attacks and contrasts his firsthand experience with public debate in Canada. He describes rocket warning systems, bomb shelters embedded in residential buildings, and visits to communities near Gaza affected by the assault. Lilley argues that Canadian discussions about ceasefires and two-state solutions often lack appreciation for the proximity of Israeli civilians to ongoing threats. He references displacement, continued rocket fire, and the stated objectives of Hamas. The article urges Canadians to reassess how they interpret Israel’s security posture by considering geographic realities and recent events on the ground.