Six Flights Down: Inside a Family’s Underground Bunker in Israel

Safety and Security Concerns - The family lives in central Tel Aviv, approximately 15 minutes from Israel's equivalent of the Pentagon, placing them in a direct line of fire [1] - The family has had to repeatedly descend to their building's underground bomb shelter during the night due to Iranian ballistic missiles [1] - Reaching the bomb shelter involves navigating narrow steps, often congested with neighbors, increasing anxiety during the urgent descent [2][3] Shelter Conditions and Preparedness - The bomb shelter is described as dirty and infested with cockroaches [3] - The family has attempted to make the shelter more comfortable for the children by bringing sleeping bags, blankets, bean bags, and toys [3][4] - The family stores essential supplies in the shelter, including water bottles, snacks, a first aid kit, and toilet paper [5] - The shelter lacks Wi-Fi, creating a communication dead zone [5] Communication and Information Gathering - Residents sometimes climb a ladder to access cell service through a shaft [6] - The family relies on an old-fashioned transistor radio to receive updates on missile strikes [6] - Residents have learned to differentiate between the sounds of Iron Dome interceptions and missile impacts [7] Post-Alert Conditions - The family waits for an "all clear" signal from the radio before returning upstairs [8] - The shelter is hot, lacks fresh air, and is uncomfortable, prompting residents to avoid staying there longer than necessary [8]