Many Vietnam Veterans, including John Kerry (R), were reviled for their service in the Wietnam War
Photo: AP
Washington's memorial to the Vietnam veterans helped heal old wounds
Settlers deserve a parade
If they insist on resisting they will get nothing but the back of the hand from the average Israeli
In 1982, I had the privilege of covering and attending the unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C. As part of that assignment, I spent a great deal of time with a group of Vietnam veterans from Illinois.
Alan D. Abbey is Editor and Managing Director of YnetnewsControversial remark
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This rough-edged group of former soldiers was an emotionally damaged bunch, but they emerged from the weekend’s events with a renewed strength of purpose and humanity.
Two years later, when a representational sculpture of three U.S. soldiers was added to complement the more abstract “Wall,” I again hung out with a group of veterans, and walked alongside them as they marched in a ragged parade past thousands of spectators. For the first time, both veterans and average citizens confronted each other in a spirit of reconciliation and harmony.
The two events provided powerful healing for both veterans and America as a whole. Since then, regardless of political differences, U.S. soldiers have received the respect and support of Americans. The memorials and parades were important symbols and acts that helped focus the intense emotions that nearly tore the U.S. apart.
A welcome home - if
I flashed on the U.S. veterans as I thought again about how to narrow the wide gap between the average Israeli and the settlers, particularly those who are set to be moved from Gaza this summer. And it struck me - the settlers should get a parade.
The parade could be considered a thank you for being on the frontlines - soldiers if you will - in the terror war that has been waged on Israel in the last few years. You could consider it as a chance to begin healing the rift between the two groups. Or you could see it as a way of welcoming the settlers back to the country and its majority, and a spur to encourage them to put their ideals to productive use in building up the country’s core regions, including the Negev and the Galilee.
But this is not a plan designed simply for the settlers, nor is it something they should get without giving something in return.
The settlers need to face facts: the disengagement is going to occur this summer, whether or not it is delayed by three weeks until after Tisha B’Av.
A strong majority of the country wants it, and that is the will of the government. All of the rallies, protests and civil disobedience that the settlers stir up is not going to change that fact. The public wants it; Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wants it, and the international community wants it. It’s going to happen.
Back of the hand if they resist
Militant settler leaders who are pressing their followers not to cooperate with the Disengagement Authority must stop their efforts at scuttling this event.
If they accept the inevitability of the disengagement, and work to get the best deal possible, and then work to rejoin the country’s mainstream - and even to try to change it in a productive way - they will deserve a parade.
If they insist on resisting they will get nothing but the back of the hand from the average Israeli, and that is a recipe for years of recriminations and ill feelings.
When the U.S. veterans received their parades, they finally felt as if they had been welcomed back home. Much of Israel would welcome the settlers back home - if they are willing to be welcomed.
