Posted on 04/12/2005 3:40:37 PM PDT by Ziva
Gush Katif and parts of Shomron, Israel, are slated for a unilateral withdrawal by the Israeli government within a few months. Not only are they removing military protection, the government also claims to expel all the Jews living in those areas, at least 8500 souls in Gush Katif (Gaza.)
I toured those areas a few days ago, visiting 6 towns in Gush Katif and 2 in Shomron, all condemned by their government. These are built-up, well-established towns, with over 1000 acres of hothouses, many factories, and spacious modern houses (not huts as some imply.)
I have assembled a photo essay in a 3-page pdf at http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com/GushKatif.pdf. The current version of it is almost 10 Meg because of the high-resolution, print-quality pictures.
If anyone tries to tell you that Gaza is just a bunch of low-grade "settlements," point them to this file to show what it really looks like.
It is worth noting that during the Shabbos I spent in Katif, the town down the road, Neve Dekalim, was hit by over fifty mortar shells. The bomb squad had to defuse some of them. This is during the peace process, of course.
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land He swore to their forefathers to give them. . . Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
I am very sorry this is happening. It will just make them hungry for more land.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.