Understanding the Disengagement

The Gaza Strip is a small area along the Mediterranean coast, on Israel’s border with Egypt. The entire Strip covers only 146 square miles (about twice the size of Washington, DC), but it’s been making big news headlines.

Israel has now completed its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, removing more than 8,000 residents, dismantling its military posts, and handing over control of the region to the Palestinian Authority.

“Israel is committed to the peace process and aspires to reach an agreed resolution of the conflict on the basis of the principle of two states for two peoples, the State of Israel as the state of the Jewish people and a Palestinian state for the Palestinian people.” The Office of the Prime Minister

Israel also evacuated four settlements in northern Samaria (part of what is known as the West Bank). While many Gaza residents resisted, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) was able to evacuate the Strip peacefully. The government is providing temporary housing and monetary compensation to families to cover resettlement costs.

After the evacuation was complete, the government cleared the land, bulldozing more than 1,500 homes. In a last-minute vote, it decided not to destroy the 25 synagogues in this region. After the pullout, Palestinians poured into the Strip, set the synagogues ablaze, and began looting in search of valuable scrap metals in the rubble. Many of the prized hothouses were vandalized. Palestinian mobs rushed the Egyptian border, where the IDF had relinquished control, despite government concerns about cross-border weapons smuggling.

“As long as we don't disengage from one another. We have no other Land." - Israeli bumper sticker from Tzav Pius

While continuing to strive for peace with its neighbors, Israel is also trying to heal rifts within her own borders. As Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in his speech before the United Nations, “Israeli society is undergoing a difficult crisis as a result of the Disengagement.” In recent months, divides between the anti-disengagement “orange” camp and the pro-disengagement “blue” camp have torn apart the community.

Yet, underneath the shouting stirs a small but steady voice that can be heard across the land – the voice of hope.

This flag in Rabin Square holds the signatures of 32,000 united Israeli citizens.

Committed to peace and the unity of the Jewish people, a few people join blue and orange ribbons, reaching out, trying to keep the nation together. Hotel managers are offering free room and board to evacuated residents. Civilians are assembling and handing out care packages to soldiers. Across buses and billboards, the phrase “We must stay connected!” cries out to Israelis, advertising a hotline bringing both sides together in peaceful dialogue. Over Kikar Rabin, Rabin Square, in Tel Aviv, stands a flag composed of 32,000 names of Israeli citizens, dedicated to national unity and calling for reconciliation. It’s just the beginning, but with time, efforts like these can help heal the wounds of disengagement and grow the seeds of peace.