Kibbutz Metzer was established in the early 1950's by South American immigrants of the left-wing HaShomer HaTza'ir movement, and currently has some 500 members. Menashe Regional Council Head Ilan Sadeh said that over the years Metzer has had "extraordinary relations with the local Arabs, wonderful neighborly relations." Concerned that construction of a security separation fence would encroach upon neighboring Arab-cultivated land, the kibbutz recently offered to give up some of its own lands for the purpose - or, alternatively, suggested that no fence at all be built between Metzer and its Arab neighbors.
Arutz-7's Effie Meir spoke this morning with some members of Kibbutz Metzer about the murderous attack. One former Peace Now leader said that he realized about a year ago that, "with all due respect to our desire for peace, so far it's only been a one-way street… The Palestinians are not yet ready for peace." He said that he thinks the terrorists picked Kibbutz Metzer specifically because of its left-wing tilt. Two others did not agree, however. One said that the attack does not change his perception of his Arab neighbors, as "it's only a very small percentage of Arabs who are terrorists… If it wasn't for the placement of the security fence [which encroached significantly on Arab olive groves], we could have continued living in peace." In answer to a question, another man said, "Yes, we will continue to make peace - I hope so. After all, I like peace."
Representatives of the Psychological Service of the Yesha Regional Councils arrived in Metzer this morning to offer their help to the bereaved families. Kibbutz Movement leaders also visited the kibbutz, and said that despite the attack, their movement will continue to adhere to its policy of "peace and reconciliation… Kibbutz Metzer is living evidence of co-existence even during times of conflict."
Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon met for a long meeting today, apparently planning Israel's military retaliation. The two worked together as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, respectively, until a few months ago. The IDF is likely to strike at the Tanzim infrastructures in Shechem. The Tanzim has been responsible for a number of recent attempted terrorist attacks in the area.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon attended the annual memorial ceremony for former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, who died 29 years ago, in Sdeh Boker in the Negev today. Sharon said,
"49 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting, for the first time, then-Prime Minister and Defense Minister David Ben-Gurion... It was just after a shocking murder of a mother and two children in Yahud. When I heard over the night about what happened at Metzer, it reminded me of my first meeting with David Ben-Gurion..."
Arutz-7's Effie Meir spoke this morning with some members of Kibbutz Metzer about the murderous attack. One former Peace Now leader said that he realized about a year ago that, "with all due respect to our desire for peace, so far it's only been a one-way street… The Palestinians are not yet ready for peace." He said that he thinks the terrorists picked Kibbutz Metzer specifically because of its left-wing tilt. Two others did not agree, however. One said that the attack does not change his perception of his Arab neighbors, as "it's only a very small percentage of Arabs who are terrorists… If it wasn't for the placement of the security fence [which encroached significantly on Arab olive groves], we could have continued living in peace." In answer to a question, another man said, "Yes, we will continue to make peace - I hope so. After all, I like peace."
Representatives of the Psychological Service of the Yesha Regional Councils arrived in Metzer this morning to offer their help to the bereaved families. Kibbutz Movement leaders also visited the kibbutz, and said that despite the attack, their movement will continue to adhere to its policy of "peace and reconciliation… Kibbutz Metzer is living evidence of co-existence even during times of conflict."
Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon met for a long meeting today, apparently planning Israel's military retaliation. The two worked together as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, respectively, until a few months ago. The IDF is likely to strike at the Tanzim infrastructures in Shechem. The Tanzim has been responsible for a number of recent attempted terrorist attacks in the area.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon attended the annual memorial ceremony for former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, who died 29 years ago, in Sdeh Boker in the Negev today. Sharon said,
"49 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting, for the first time, then-Prime Minister and Defense Minister David Ben-Gurion... It was just after a shocking murder of a mother and two children in Yahud. When I heard over the night about what happened at Metzer, it reminded me of my first meeting with David Ben-Gurion..."