We have been immersed in ceremonies, exhibits, films, TV talk shows, and even an evening of religious rock singers lauding the people of Gush Katif who were expelled two years ago from our homes and communities. We went to some of these events, choosing those most meaningful to us despite the extraordinarily hot and humid weather. We must not allow the people of Israel to forget.

The farmers of Gush Katif have finally taken to the streets.



Last Saturday night, the program Diary was shown on Israel Broadcasting Association TV's Channel 1. I had walked with the crew near the Kassam rocket display in Sderot. "This is the direct result of our expulsion from Gush Katif," I explained. "freedom for the Arabs to commit wholesale attacks on Israel and its people."


The farmers of Gush Katif have finally taken to the streets. A hunger strike near the Knesset brought the plight of our growers to the people of Israel. Two years later, they are still without land, homes and employment.


On the IBA English News, one of our farmers, Avraham Sher, spoke of his imminent expulsion from Kibbutz Carmia where he and other Gush Katif farmers have been living. The government's two-year contract with the kibbutz is over and the sides are fighting over renewal terms. August 15 is the date that these farmers, caught in the middle, once again face the fate of the wandering Jew.


The day after the Fast of the Ninth of Av, we attended a ceremony near what had been the Kissufim crossing, our former entry point to Gush Katif. My husband didn't want to go, but I insisted. His tears began to flow as we drove down the old familiar roads and didn't stop until long after our departure. We couldn't even approach the Gush Katif memorial at the border, as the Arabs had fired eight mortars in its direction. Two years later, we are still unable to mourn properly for our destroyed homes.


My husband noted with bitter satisfaction that Kibbutz Kissufim, adjacent to the former crossing - whose members harassed us and held signs saying, "End the occupation! Destroy Gush Katif!" and rejoiced at our expulsion - now exists in name only. Incessant shelling of Gush Katif had only strengthened us. But incessant shelling of the kibbutz following our expulsion has driven these enlightened souls to abandon their homes. One family, reportedly, remains, in order to prevent looting.


Our valiant teenagers made an effort to return to the northernmost Gush Katif community of Nissanit, now occupied by the IDF, on the border with Ashkelon. Army and police

I am still filled with anger.

dragged our children away as they tried to cross the fence and return home.


I watched a television documentary about the expulsion showing army generals discussing the best ways to drag Jews from their homes. I had to turn away. Two years later, I am still filled with anger.


Enough! Two years later, we still live in refugee camps. The government talks of future expulsions from Judea and Samaria. Terrorist murderers are released from prison. Two years later, we watch the mistakes of the past being repeated.