Disengagement -- Not That Simple
I hate the term "settlers" being used for people who have lived in their cities, towns and communities for over 30 years. It's insulting -- certainly the way some people throw the word around. Many people hear the news and see no problem with Sharon's disengagement plan and can't understand why it's tearing not just Israel apart but every Israeli. For everyone, but especially for those of you who can't see the other side's point of view, I have some links you should check out. Naomi Ragen posted another great article about her recent visit to Gush Katif. Then for more of a taste of what is happening, visit Batya's wonderful site called Shiloh Musings. Then get updated news at the sister site, ENGAGE - For a Secure Israel. These aren't faceless individuals, numbers. They are full human beings, each with their own story, their own life that they've built for themselves and their families. I do see both sides of the argument. I think it's everyone's duty to do the same.
posted by Esther @ 9:58 AM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Esther, I couldn't agree with you more about seeing both sides of the issue. On the one hand, a lot of badly needed money has been diverted from the larger society into the settlements, and while many of the Americans, as opposed to the native-born Israelis, seem to suffer from a hyper-religiosity that I have very little use for, the fact remains that these people were encouraged to move to the territories by both left-wing and right-wing governments alike, and now they're being abandoned by Ariel Sharon, of all people.
Good point, Esther!
I am learning more about "the rest of the story" from your Blog and your references/citations ... :)
Nothing is ever as it appears to the cursory viewer!
Some opportunities were wasted in the past.
I keep repeating myself but I don't think Sharon has too many options left.
So yes, it is a very hard a difficult decision but I wouldn't know what other options he (Sharon) would have.
Thanks, as always, Rory.
SA, what a wonderful compliment! Thank you!
Felis, while I agree it's a difficult decision that might have to be made, it doesn't and shouldn't be done unilaterally -- getting nothing in return. That is too easy to spin that Israel is retreating and that terrorism works. Something tangible MUST be given in return.
Thanks, Esther,
Truthfully, not much money is invested in YESHA. We build and buy our homes, pay taxes, electricity, water, develpment, tuition etc. Our lives have never been subsidized like the kibbutzim and development towns.
One of my daughters did National Service in Kiryat Shmoneh for two years, at the same time that left-wing politicians like Yossi Sarid claimed that we were siphoning money from places like Kiryat Shmoneh. In Shiloh we parents subsidized the education to support "free" elementary schools and paid for school trips, and the kids brought their foood from home. But in KS the government gave it all for free.
We're hardworking middle and lower middle class families.
I am totally with you on this one, I saw a really good news report either last night or the night before about the effects of disengagement on Israelis who have been living in areas for decades, who have their children and other family members buried in the areas from which they must depart, there is no guarantee of what will happen to the graves, and ultimately, where will the so-called settlers go after disengagement?
Are there any compensation plans in place for those who have been forced to leave their homes? Where will these people live?
"Compensation" like German reparations won't replace, repair, heal. And neither the Arabs, Americans etc are promising peace. They've already put in the next order. the next withdrawal, destruction, G-d forbid.
That's why it must be stopped, before the country's destroyed.
I agree that it must be stopped as well, but contingency plans need to be thought of for all the citizens who will be forced to move if disengagement goes ahead
I thought I'd mention two blogs that I am involved with:
www.YeshaSpeaksOut.org is a platform for residents of Jewish Communities in Judea, samaria & the Gaza Coast to share their day-to-day lives, experiences, feelings and thoughts without the corrupting censorship of the general media. Their lives in their own words!
The other is www.Disengagement.org which invites every interested person in share their insight or opinion on the "Disengagement" issue.
Thanks for the opportunity to make a 'plug'.
Yoel Ben-Avraham
Shilo, Benyamin
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