I traveled with Dror Vanunu of the Katif Development Fund to represent Gush Katif at a solidarity rally and concert in the East Meadow of New York?s Central Park. The concert was loud and lively? a great social event. Jewish rock bands rapped with the teenagers. The kids waved their arms and shouted ?Lo, lo, lo! Lo zazim mi po!? [No, no, no! We?re not moving from here!]. A large balloon displayed the message ?Rudy Giuliani for Prime Minister?.



And the mostly Jewish American folks streamed into the park, with grandparents, parents and children dressed in orange.



It was a hot day and picnickers huddled under the few shade trees.



The speakers spoke and the rock bands played and the kids danced and old friends met and hugged. A great day in the park.



The message of solidarity with Gush Katif enveloped everybody and the smiles of Gush Katif residents seemed to have been transplanted to this New York scene.



I spoke, as did MK Effie Eitam and Assemblyman Dov Hikind and other distinguished speakers. All except me spoke of the bravery of the people of the Gush, the communities slated for destruction, the number of people to be expelled.



I spoke about us, the individuals and families who live in Gush Katif. I talked about the Shomron family and their three dogs. I told how the Shalva family huddled in the Central Bus Station in Beersheba after their expulsion from Yamit, and of how they were found by our rabbi, Rabbi Yigal Kaminetzky, who said ?Come, you have a home in Gush Katif waiting for you.? I talked about our neighbors from France, Russia, India and Ethiopia, all to be expelled from this land of refuge.



And I reminded the listeners that they, too, are part of Gush Katif. Together we shouted ?I am from Gush Katif!? Gush Katif had become a cause for the people of New York. This outpouring of warmth made me realize that the people were with me.



I met friends who had visited me in Gush Katif. I met my family who had come to hear ?Auntie Rachel? speak. I met Ulpana Neve Dekalim graduates who are doing their year of National Service in New York. I spoke with media people. I listened to ideas and suggestions by good people who want to help.



But one thought kept nagging at me. Can these enthusiastic people really understand the fears of nightly bombardment or of imminent expulsion? These people are the cream of the Jews in a free, distraction-filled America. Today they are enthusiastic for Gush Katif.



And tomorrow? Today I am their poster child. Am I only the ?Cause of the Week?? Will we be remembered if the Sharon expulsion plan comes to fruition and we are expelled? Will I be the forgotten child after the concerts and rallies are over?