| At the end of the first day, we stayed overnight at Midreshet HaDarom, a lovely grouping of thatch- roofed bungalows where we have stayed in the past. The accommodations are modest but comfortable, the food is superb, and usually, we have the place to ourselves since Gush Katif is no longer a popular tourist stop. This time, however, since the Rafah incursion was scheduled to begin that night, Monday, May 17, the area was filled with Israeli soldiers. Dror was invited to join one of the embedded journalists in the military entrance to Rafah, but he declined. Rachel and Moshe Saperstein greeted us at dinner, with Moshe telling us stories about the miracles that have occurred in the Gush, where over 3,000 mortars have fallen without causing any fatalities. Rachel sold us beautiful stationery created by her students at the Ulpana of Nevei Dekalim, and read to us a very moving letter written by a student who had worked so hard campaigning against the expulsion of the Jews from Gaza. We were all touched by the awareness of the enormous group effort that resulted in the huge victory of the people over the Sharon plan. Our group felt that we were present at an historic moment in history. |
