Today I want to describe some of the events of last week regarding the forthcoming disengagement. For most of last week the media gave full coverage to the thousands of anti-disengagement folks who were determined to make a strong public statement showing their strong feelings in support of the settlers. They traveled by bus, automobile and on foot from all parts of the country. They were determined to get to Gush Katif in the heart of Gaza to support the Jewish settlers there who face relocation.
The government was equally as determined that the demonstrators would not gain entrance to Gush Katif. The demonstrators were permitted to gathered at Kfar Maimon, a religious moshav some distance from Gaza, but they could get no farther.
At the same time at Kfar Maimon, Israeli Defense Forces and police were stationed in a human chain circle surrounding the moshav. They carried no weapons and wore no riot gear. The soldiers and police just stood there silently, linked arm in arm. It was amazing to watch this scene on television. Initially, some of the settlers tried to convince the soldiers to break ranks and disobey orders, using the slogan that," Jews don't kick out other Jews". Not a soldier flinched or moved or even made eye contact with any of the settlers.
This standoff lasted for three days and nights. In the heat of the day, under the broiling sun, and throughout the nights, soldiers and settlers faced each other. Finally, on the third day, as the settlers began to realize that the way to their goal, to Gush Katif, was blocked and Shabbat was approaching, their mood seemed to soften and they began to sing a song by the late well-known Israeli song writer, Naomi Shemer, whose message was that somehow, they were all in this together.
I'm not sure this was a victory for either side. I was impressed with the demonstration of non-violence on both sides. This could have become an ugly scene. I am sure there were those soldiers who are unhappy with the disengagement. Yet, they were wearing the uniform of their country and had to obey orders
This event was only a foretaste of what is to come in the coming days. The disengagement will go forward. There will be many questions to answer in the days following. Many people are saying that this is a turning point in the history of this country. More to follow.
Frank
The government was equally as determined that the demonstrators would not gain entrance to Gush Katif. The demonstrators were permitted to gathered at Kfar Maimon, a religious moshav some distance from Gaza, but they could get no farther.
At the same time at Kfar Maimon, Israeli Defense Forces and police were stationed in a human chain circle surrounding the moshav. They carried no weapons and wore no riot gear. The soldiers and police just stood there silently, linked arm in arm. It was amazing to watch this scene on television. Initially, some of the settlers tried to convince the soldiers to break ranks and disobey orders, using the slogan that," Jews don't kick out other Jews". Not a soldier flinched or moved or even made eye contact with any of the settlers.
This standoff lasted for three days and nights. In the heat of the day, under the broiling sun, and throughout the nights, soldiers and settlers faced each other. Finally, on the third day, as the settlers began to realize that the way to their goal, to Gush Katif, was blocked and Shabbat was approaching, their mood seemed to soften and they began to sing a song by the late well-known Israeli song writer, Naomi Shemer, whose message was that somehow, they were all in this together.
I'm not sure this was a victory for either side. I was impressed with the demonstration of non-violence on both sides. This could have become an ugly scene. I am sure there were those soldiers who are unhappy with the disengagement. Yet, they were wearing the uniform of their country and had to obey orders
This event was only a foretaste of what is to come in the coming days. The disengagement will go forward. There will be many questions to answer in the days following. Many people are saying that this is a turning point in the history of this country. More to follow.
Frank
posted by Frank and Pat Fischer at 9:03 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home