Crossing the Yarden

By Yarden Frankl

Peres Shmerez

It was a year ago that Shimon Peres said the following:

“We must tell the Palestinians, Qassams shmassams, we’ll hold firm. We won't move from here.”

He was, of course, speaking of the situation in Sderot. I imagine he was trying to portray the image of the brave Israeli leader, not afraid of anything. It was the type of bravado that built the nation of Israel.

Israel’s history is full of tales of courage. From Sharon’s capture of the Mitla pass in the Sinai, the Golani Brigade taking the Golan Heights, or Yonatan Netanyahu, giving his life to free the Jewish hostages imprisoned at the Entebbe airport. As an Israeli, I am proud to live in a country where the motto of the army is “follow me.”

So Peres’ comment could have been a bold inspiration if he had said it and then his government sent the army to retake Gaza once and for all. It would have been like Churchill’s famous expression about “keeping a stiff upper lip.” The only difference is that Churchill sent tanks, ships, and airplanes to attack the ones killing British children. Peres’ government, on the other hand, is sending them food.

But even worse is the fact that Shimon doesn’t live anywhere near Sderot. He is not holding firm against anything. While he sips his café afuch in Ramat Aviv, the citizens of the nation he is responsible for cower in concrete shelters in Sderot.

Shimon, who are you advising to stand firm? Four year old Afik Zahavi? Too late. Afik was standing firm when the Qassam hit his gan. How about 2 year old Dorit Benisian and 4 year old Yuval Abebeh? Too late. They were standing firm when the Qassam hit the olive tree at their grandmother's house where they were playing. How about Oshri Oz? After the Qassam hit his car, it is his pregnant wife and three year old daughter who must now “stand firm.” While you send food, water, and electricity to Gaza, your people are dying. Israeli homes are being destroyed. How much more do the cemeteries of Sderot have to be filled with people who you have told to “stand firm?”

Mr. President, until you start sleeping in a hot crowded bomb shelter with screaming, terrified kids, you have no right to say anything, not a single word. Until then, don’t you dare tell Sderot’s children and parents about standing firm. You can't yell “follow me” from a sidewalk cafe. Bravado only works if you are actually brave.

And my fellow citizens, what about us? Are we doing all we can to help those whom the government has abandoned? Even a simple visit to show we care is important.

I know a place where they make great falafel.

Just follow me.

Shabbat Shalom from our Blessed Nation

© 2007 Yarden Frankl