An Israeli 4th grade student tries on a gas mask

Israeli schoolchildren had some poignant questions for a soldier introducing them to gas masks as part of preparations for possible Iraqi missile attacks should the United States go to war in the Gulf.

"What happens if I throw up inside my mask?" and "How many minutes will the war last?" were just some of the queries voiced by the 9- and 10-year-olds in a Jerusalem school.

While the United States readies for possible conflict in Iraq and Israel gears up for feared Iraqi missile strikes, soldiers are visiting classrooms across Israel to acquaint youngsters with the protection they would need in the event of chemical or biological attack.

"The kids get a chance to practice with the gas mask kits brought into the schools and then can go home and explain to their parents and even grandparents," said Bilha Noy, head of the Education Ministry's psychological and counseling service.

In the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq launched 39 conventional Scud missiles at Israel, causing heavy damage to property.

In one classroom for 9- and 10-year-olds at a Jerusalem school, a boy tried on a gas mask with the help of the soldier instructor. As he lifted his head to look at his classmates, they burst into laughter.

In kindergartens, gas masks are added unobtrusively to the pile of toys so they become a familiar sight, but only the teachers are instructed in their use.

Coming face to face with the black rubber masks elicits not only laughter.

"For me, it is frightening," said 10-year-old Neta. "And when they explained to us how to use the gas mask, I got even more scared. It is so complicated to put on and there is also the antidote and you have to be in a sealed room."

According to Noy, fear is both natural and expected.

"Our goal is not to comfort, but to say yes, it is frightening, but if you obey instructions and do what you are told to do, your chances of surviving are higher," said Noy.

(Agencies)