Search Results for: rachel saperstein

Swapping ‘SELAH’ Stories -by Rachel Saperstein

Excerpts:

“Dan and Aviva are refugees from Gush Katif. Both are devoutly religious, sensitive, quiet-spoken people. They lived down our block. Dan is studying to be a rabbi. Aviva is an assistant kindergarten teacher. When we arrived in Neve Dekalim they were expecting their second child, a daughter, and then we welcomed their third, a son. Today SELAH, the Disengagement Authority, is demanding a DNA test from the family to prove the children really are theirs. The couple must cover the cost of this expensive test. Dan and Aviva are from Ethiopia.” read more

Another right on the mark article from Rachel Saperstein, formerly of Neve Dekalim;

As We View Our Soldiers…

Excerpts:

“There is a good deal of worry about our children. Children who once viewed our soldiers with reverence now see the soldier as an enemy who can readily throw them out of their homes. You can no longer trust a soldier, or a policeman, or a member of the Knesset, or a prime minister. Each engenders fear. One is left with a sense of helplessness.”

” … I am traumatized and my body shakes as I relive, every night, my expulsion by the Israeli army and the Israeli police.” read more

Harassment By Mail – by Rachel Saperstein, Neve Dekalim / Jerusalem Gold Hotel

Excerpts:

“A letter arrived from the Bezek Telephone Company. We will have to pay a penalty of IS 280, the letter stated, for breaking our one-year contract for internet use.“The government through us out in August” we countered. ‘They destroyed our phone lines. Sue the government for breach of contract.’ We are awaiting their reply.”

“Twenty-three Neve Dekalim families received a letter from SELAH – The Expulsion Authority. ‘We don’t deny you lived in Neve Dekalim. But you rented privately rather than through the local council. So you are not entitled to housing in Nitzan, or compensation of any kind. You have six days to vacate your hotel!’” read more

The IDF’s New Image

Excerpt:

“The new image of the IDF is not a pretty one. Who can trust future governments to refrain from again using the army to expel other citizens from their homes without due process of law? The future of the IDF has been compromised by misuse and involvement where it should never have been used. The supposedly democratic nature of our society is shown to be a sham when superior force is used to quell civil disobedience. The use of the military for this purpose is never appropriate and measures need to be taken to see that it does not happen again. Concurrently, the leadership of the military and police, members of the Knesset, and the Supreme Court and other public figures involved in supporting Ariel Sharon’s evil and criminal plan need to be replaced or retired. This calls for new elections and reform in our whole system of government and all its institutions, some of which need to be abolished and replaced with institutions that serve the public with compassion and humanity, and reflect long-held Jewish beliefs, traditions and values.” read more

Searching for Support – by Rachel Saperstein — Oct 31, 2005-enroute to Toronto