Life in Gush Katif - Jewish Gaza, the area of Israel's southern Mediterranean coast that Prime Minister Sharon is talking of giving away - continues as usual. This morning, for instance, Palestinian terrorists fired Kassam rockets at the towns of Kfar Aza and Netzarim, fired shots at Moshav Netzer Hazani, and launched two mortar shells last night towards Moshav Gadid. No damage was caused, and Israeli soldiers returned fire where possible.
On the other hand, several busloads of Israeli tourists arrived in Gush Katif yesterday for a post-Purim visit. The groups arrived from Beit El, Mechola (Jordan Valley), Petach Tikva and Kfar HaRoeh near Hadera. The "We Are on the Map" organization sponsored the trips. Gush Katif spokesman Eran Sternberg said that the goal is for people to become familiar with the area, and to recognize that behind the numbers and political declarations, living in Jewish Gaza are thousands of men, women and children, farmers and professionals, secular and religious Jews, new immigrants and native-born Israelis.
In addition, the Bnei Akiva youth movement's southern region held its annual convention in the Ulpanah (girls' high school) in N'vei Dekalim yesterday. Hundreds of representatives of Israel's largest youth movement took part in what is a preparatory event for the national convention, which will take place during the Pesach (Passover) holiday in Jerusalem. The decision to hold the regional event in Gush Katif was made a month ago, as a sign of solidarity with the residents of the area and in opposition to Sharon's intentions to expel them from their homes.
A petition against the plan to retreat from Jewish Gaza has been organized by residents of the area. It can be read and signed here.
On the other hand, several busloads of Israeli tourists arrived in Gush Katif yesterday for a post-Purim visit. The groups arrived from Beit El, Mechola (Jordan Valley), Petach Tikva and Kfar HaRoeh near Hadera. The "We Are on the Map" organization sponsored the trips. Gush Katif spokesman Eran Sternberg said that the goal is for people to become familiar with the area, and to recognize that behind the numbers and political declarations, living in Jewish Gaza are thousands of men, women and children, farmers and professionals, secular and religious Jews, new immigrants and native-born Israelis.
In addition, the Bnei Akiva youth movement's southern region held its annual convention in the Ulpanah (girls' high school) in N'vei Dekalim yesterday. Hundreds of representatives of Israel's largest youth movement took part in what is a preparatory event for the national convention, which will take place during the Pesach (Passover) holiday in Jerusalem. The decision to hold the regional event in Gush Katif was made a month ago, as a sign of solidarity with the residents of the area and in opposition to Sharon's intentions to expel them from their homes.
A petition against the plan to retreat from Jewish Gaza has been organized by residents of the area. It can be read and signed here.