Many soldiers and policemen who took part in the expulsion from Gush Katif 5.5 years ago are seeking forgiveness – and the Nation and Land Rescue Task Force has a solution.
The rabbis of SOS-Israel report that of late, they have received many requests from soldiers and policemen who took part in the Disengagement – the expulsion from Gush Katif – in the summer of 2005 and who now deeply regret it. “What can we do to remove the curse of the Disengagement from upon us?” is the gist of many of the requests.
In response, SOS-Israel – known in Hebrew as The Nation and Land Rescue Task Force – is offering a unique solution. In an announcement published on th internet and in its weekly synagogue publication, the contrite soldiers and policemen are called upon to do the following: Send in a written statement expressing their remorse for what they have done and committing to never again be a partner to the expulsion of Jews from their homes. The penitents must include their own first name and that of their mother – no last name or address required – and the SOS-Israel rabbis will pray for their forgiveness and success at the Machpelah Cave in Hevron.
“The rabbis will read aloud the requests for forgiveness at the gravesites of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs,” the organization pledges, “and will pray for their blessing and success.”