Special Expulsion Day Coverage: "Where's the Fire?"

	August 17, 2005

Jump to today's weblog  |  support us SPONSORED BY: Disengagement Days -- A new addition to Israel's Story in Maps We are delighted to announce a new extension to our best-ofr-breed collection of historical maps about Israel, providing day-by-day tracking of Israel's dramatic, and traumatic, withdrawal from Gaza and northern Samaria. It's free and updated daily. We think there is no better tool for grasping what it happening in this historic, and controversial process. Publishers and Editors: Disengagement Days is available to accredited publications on co-branded basis for the online version, or for static print uses. Contact publisher@israelinsider.com. If you like "Disengagement Days," you will want to consider our full maps collection of Israel's Story in Maps. Within a Macromedia Flash framework, we have created a visual narrative that starts with Solomon and continues to 2004, telling the story about the Jewish People's connection to their land, with an emphasis on their return in the 20th century. Each map and graph can be printed out in high resolution. Consider it as a treat for yourself, or a gift to a friend or family member, or a pastor/rabbi who cares about Israel. By buying this CD-ROM ($9.95 +S&H) or ordering an online subscription ($4.95), you'll be helping Israel Insider keep on keeping on! Please consider ordering one today. HIGHLIGHTS: Leave our kids alone! On a black day like today, and tonight, I have little to write. The images and voices of destruction -- of a dozen living communities and their inhabitants -- speak for themselves. I couldn't bring myself to go to the office. I watched multiple channels of TV, listened to the radio, and tried to keep the website up to date with the changing situation and process at least some fraction of the overload of information that accompanied the uprooting of thousands of lives and the trauma that the expulsion seared into the memories of the expellers and the expellees. I have but one thing to ask.... Where's the fire? By Reuven Koret If you rush to impose your will on these young people, and they are injured, or worse, you will be setting fire to this land, and igniting a civil war. INSIDER QUOTE "I will explain to them that what they are doing is a horrific crime, and I will photograph them and pass the pictures on to my children and grandchildren, and tell them that by saying that they are fulfilling the law, this will not make up for their crime. " Rabbi Shimon Cohen of Neve Dekalim, on what he would say to soldiers who come to evict his family Articles Massive forces cut through Gush Katif, expelling Jews faster than expected The IDF says that the Gaza expulsion process is going faster than expected. The IDF reported that 65% of Jewish residents have left Gaza. UN funds Palestinian flags and victory banners for conquering Jerusalem A UN agency funded banners, flags and bumper stickers suggesting that Israel's Gaza pullout is terror's success and that Jerusalem is next. Israeli driver kills 3 Palestinians, wounds 2 near Shilo An Israeli, Asher Weissgan of Shvut Rachel killed 3 Palestinians and wounded 2 others in a shooting attack near the industrial area of Shilo in Samaria. Intense confrontations of residents and soldiers in doomed communities Just one scene from the expulsion: "If you had real courage, you wouldn't be here right now," the Rabbi said to the officers. Disengagement Diary: What is this country coming to? As security forces clash with the Jewish civilians of Gaza, I am for the first time ashamed of my country. I'm starting to wonder if this is a place I can call home. Analysis: Sharon's folly Sharon's gamble smacks of a general failure by Israelis to learn from their short but turbulent modern history, and will likely lead to more bloodshed. Neve Dekalim braces as expulsion forces arrive At first the police and army forces intend to try to assist the residents to voluntarily leave, but tomorrow morning will use force to expel all Jews. 750 pullout opponents detained for attempting to infiltrate Gaza Police arrested 500 anti-pullout activists for attempting to enter Gaza from Kissufim. An additional 250 were removed without arrest. Disengagement Diary: Getting engaged Settlement residents and infiltrators are ambushing security forces -- ambushing their hearts and their minds. I am on the frontlines of the Jewish soul. Sharon tape rationalizes retreat; foes slam giveaway, evasions, deception PM Sharon's explanation for the pullout, as expressed in his address to the nation on Monday, has left many -- including Bibi Netanyahu -- dissatisfied. RECENT VIEWS Where's the fire? By Reuven Koret If you rush to impose your will on these young people, and they are injured, or worse, you will be setting fire to this land, and igniting a civil war. Hello.... Is There Anybody Out There? By Ze'ev Orenstein It frustrates me that passionate, knowledgeable, caring and observant Jews can be so detached from what happens here in Israel on a daily basis. Seeking Order in Chaos By Laura Ben-David We may not have clarity right now, but we have many thousands of people who are all doing their best to make things a little better. Gush Katif will rise again. But I must leave. By Rachel Saperstein Ariel Sharon has won the battle but he lost the war. He has lost the people of Israel. He has crushed the soul of our soldiers. Turn the tables on Sharon By Stan Goodenough Opponents of expulsion should demand equal media time and make a reasonable offer for a truly democratic vote on disengagement. The Painful Progress of Israel By Barry Shaw Those who developed the land are being uprooted, like fledgling olive trees. They grow in rugged and infertile soil, yet flourish into character and beauty. "Commander, I cannot!" The miracle will come through our soldiers By Reuven Koret Will these young men and women be able to live with the idea that they are personally helping Hamas and Jihad to realize the destruction of Israel? Soldiers at the Gate By Rachel Saperstein At 6:10 this morning I received a call from Tova. "Where are the men to block the gates?" she cried frantically. "They?re here!" My Eyes Fail With Tears By Paula R. Stern On August 17, our enemies will celebrate. Ariel Sharon and Shimon Peres will celebrate, and Israel will mourn. Ultimately, the will of Israel will triumph. Visiting Yad VaShem Before Disengagement By Nachum Kligman I went to Yad VaShem to prepare myself for Tisha B'Av, but I couldn't stop thinking about the deportation of the Jews from Gaza. Standing Up By Ellen W. Horowitz There is something inconceivable about the Jewish journey through time. Whenever we stumble and regress, we simultaneously take leaps forward. Briefs Sharon: "Attack me. I am responsible for this." 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