Posted on 05/22/2006 5:19:49 AM PDT by Esther Ruth
12th-Graders to Olmert: We'll Serve, But We Won't Help Retreat 12:43 May 22, '06 / 24 Iyar 5766 by Hillel Fendel
A letter from 12th-grade students around the country has been sent to Prime Minister Olmert's office, declaring that they plan to serve in the army - but not to take part in his withdrawal plans.
As of this morning, four days after the letter began to be circulated, some 250 students had signed it. One of the organizers, Malkiel (a fictitious name), said he expects the number to climb much higher after the English matriculation exams, which are being held today (Monday).
"We are a group called 12th Graders for Israel," Malkiel explained to Arutz-7's Ariel Kahane, "and we are trying to stop Olmert's convergence/withdrawal/expulsion plan. Our first act to this end is to disseminate this letter, which is now being circulated in 11th and 12th grades in many yeshiva high schools around the country, including Hispin in the Golan, Mitzpeh Ramon in the Negev, Kfar HaRoeh, Netiv Meir, and many others."
He emphasized that despite the army's role in the Disengagement last year, and its possible role in a similar future plan, the students plan to enlist: "The army is important to us, but we want Olmert to know that we will not take part in this ethical and legal crime of removing families from their homes."
Malkiel said that unlike some others, "my opinion about the State and the army did not change as a result of what happened in Gush Katif last summer. I don't think that if the country undergoes a particular crisis, then the importance of the country or of serving in the army decreases."
Kahane challenged him, saying, "I understand that you and some others tried to submit the letter in person to Prime Minister Olmert, but that his staff stopped you. But if you were to meet with him, or with Chief of Staff Halutz, they would tell you that your refusal of orders is that which endangers the army. Would you still refuse these orders?"
"Yes," said Malkiel, "because I believe that the very idea that soldiers don't follow immoral orders, and that there is a healthy ethic in the army, that is what saves the IDF... In addition, there have been many cases and battles where refusal of orders is what saved the day. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't serve in the army; most of its resources and time are dedicated to important missions of protecting the country."
Letters from 12th graders have been a popular way of publicizing a point of view, especially regarding military matters, ever since 1970 when a group of high seniors protested to Prime Minister Golda Meir against the War of Attrition in Judea, Samaria and Gaza and Israel's continued presence in those areas.
Published: 12:23 May 22, 2006 Last Update: 12:43 May 22, 2006
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Ping!
(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")
If the world's decided they want this to happen it will and I again wonder if it's a setup - because now the world can say again that Israel is the one keeping the peace from coming because they won't remove the 70-80K - so they will be forced to bring in Eu troops or something to do the deed - cause after all it's gotta get done - for peace and all.
To see 12 graders arriving at that position is remarkable!
There is hope for Israel.
Brave kids, Lord love 'em! They deserve a lot better in their leadership than they have right now. That kind of heart and spirit, which is just like Alouette's son Yossi, gives me hope that if Israel can just hold on until such young people can hold office and become Prime Minister...........
To see 12 graders arriving at that position is remarkable!
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I'd assume it was remarkably spiritual of them. Perhaps raised and brought up in the Jewish faith and tuned into the Lord's voice - perhaps they can hear huge warning bells going off.
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
Things're heatin' up....
That and a smack upside his head with a large, wet fish! Jeeze, that character would sell sheets and matches to the KKK.
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