We’re not angels of destruction
First Lieutenant Nitzan, a soldier who will take part in the clearing of settlements, tells Ynet what he feels on the eve of disengagement
I’m going in to enforce the law. I don’t want to hurt anyone and don’t expect problems.
I’ll go in, speak, hug, and cry, and I’ll help to pack. If need be, I’ll carry my brothers on my shoulders. I’ll absorb everything they have to say, in the hope that the power of my compassion overcomes their fury.
I was drafted around four years ago to a combat unit. I’ve had missions with a well-defined and perceptible enemy, and I’ve had my breaking moments, that’s how it is.
I ended up in the air force’s blue brigade, which is made up of career officers. We passed the last few weeks training. Coffee, low humor, and tense expectations.
Only during the first big protest at Ofakim did I realize what we were dealing with.
Suddenly, I grasped that there were families around us – the child playing with a ball game with us, the women with the funny accent, the man who offered me watermelon, and the little girl who asked me who was stronger, a soldier or a policeman – they were all there that night, but on the other side.
I suddenly realized what they were talking about in briefings. There is no enemy in this mission.
We're not Nazis
The people of Gush Katif are citizens of the country, and they will remain citizens after the disengagement. The evacuation will take place, and will be completed. We will be called traitors, and the successors to Nazis.
But the truth is that we are not Nazis, nor are we angels of destruction.
I am taking measured steps into a complicated and problematic situation. I know what I’m supposed to do. Thousands of others are walking into this with me.
How will it influence me? The generals say that after the high holidays we will start to be able to understand how the disengagement has really influenced the people of Israel. I wish we were already there.
I am trying to be optimistic, and tell myself and those around me that everything will work out. Every moment now is like the calm before the storm, it's getting closer, and I don’t know where I’m going.
