November 7th, 2005

So, what's been going on? Well, here are a few highlights that I
think are important.
 
1. Post-Disengagement
Several months ago, as you all know, Israeli citizens were evacuated
from Gaza. Due to the fact that families were giving up their homes,
the government promised new homes and compensation. Some were taken
to hotels, dorms, and other settlements--many that were in poor
condition. It is now ten weeks after the disengagement, and many
of the former Gush Katif residents are still in temporary housing.
An apartment area was built in Ashkelon for the former community
of Kfar Darom, so they can still live together. A tent community
was built by Atzmona, near Netivot. Although various people are
trying to help, many still have no homes and no faith in their
financial future. many settlers are afraid that there will not
be enough money for moving into a new home, finding jobs, and
simply starting over.
 
2. Ten Years After Rabin's Death
Last week marked the ten year anniversary of the assassination of
Yitzhak Rabin, and with the present situation at hand, Israelis
are wondering how things would be different if he were still alive.
Israelis are remembering his fight for greater tolerance in Israeli
society. There have been many ceremonies in Israel, with balloons to
form a "10", memorial candles, and visits to his grave on Mount Herzl.
 
3. Global Holocaust Day
The UN unanimously voted to create an International Day of
Commemoration on January 27, the anniversary of the Auschwitz-
Birkenau liberation. The UN is encouraging education to prevent
genocide from occurring in the future, and is discouraging Holocaust
denial. This UN resolution was the first that was proposed by Israel
and accepted by everyone.
 
4. Tourism!
On a happy note, tourism in the past year is 26% higher than it was
in 2004. Most of the tourists are Jews coming to visit Israel and
study there. I know that I for one am really happy to hear this. I
hope that for those of you who haven't yet been to Israel get there
soon, and those that have will return many times!
 
5. Programs?
I really want to put together at least one really good Israel-based
program for us. Several things have been suggested, such an Israel-
themed overnight. But I wanted to get your input first, to make it
something you will all enjoy. I'm open to anything, so please email
me at sunset88@Juno.com and let me know your ideas!!

Jen Kracoff
Natick USY Israel Affairs Vice-President