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The Teaneck resident's husband, Gill, is serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.
Gill, an Israeli native, served from 2009 to 2011 as a paratrooper and a medic and reenlisted following the attacks.
"We booked the first flight we could to Israel and off he went," Melissa said. "Last week was more of a shock and this week is more reality."
Melissa can't talk to her husband while he's in combat. She gets updates only when they can be provided.
"The lack of communication is hard," Grosman said. "For now, I know he's safe and I'm hoping for good news."
Melissa met Gill in 2017 through J-Swipe when he was studying at City College. They got engaged in 2019 and had a small wedding in 2020. Grosman knew her husband might someday have to fight for Israel, but was something she put on the back burner, until the Hamas attacks.
"There was shock, and definitely a lot of tears," Grosman said. "He was in complete disbelief this could happen. He used to be stationed there."
Since Gill was deployed to Israel, Melissa said she has been inundated with love and support from the community.
"I've had more than 100 people reach out to me," Grosman said. "There's been so much support. No one wants anyone getting hurt, no matter what. They feel for you. It's beautiful to see everyone uniting together."
Grosman said she has managed to keep her spirits up while her husband is serving in combat.
"I don't worry before things have happened," Grosman said. "I'm not going to sit at home and think about what if. I'm just going about my day, trying to live as much possible. I hope it stays quiet where he is, so he can come back home."
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