Settler family home burned down
Home of Schwartz family set on fire as evacuating forces entered Gush Katif settlement Thursday; Yossi Schwartz: When I get over the shock, I'll sue the government for this blunder
An abandoned Gan Or settlement home was burnt down fire Thursday morning as evacuating forces entered the Gush Katif settlement.
Yossi Schwartz - whose family had evacuated the house earlier - claims the torching was done without his knowledge. He blames the military.
Schwartz told Ynet that he does not know who is at fault, but added, "as far as I am concerned the IDF is responsible. I left valuables in the house which I meant to collect this week but I did not have a chance; it's all gone now. The kitchen cabinets were given to me by my deceased father; they meant the world to me… I don't know what to do. When I get over the shock, I'll sue the government for this blunder."
He said family members burst into tears when they heard about the fire.
"They told us they had made arrangements for all of us, yet I had to move in with my mother after I found out that the hotel we were supposed to go to has no record of us."
"If you become religious, it was worth it"
Evacuating forces gained entry to the settlement quite easily despite barbed wire, oil spills and burning tires at the entryway.
Schwartz family home on fire (Photo: Roee Nahmias)
A female settler lashed out at one of the evacvuating IDF officers, "The media are lying. For months they've been saying that they have made arrangements for all settlers. That's not the case. Next week 1,400 families will be on the streets. We will live in a tent and I have no idea what school my children will go to. I ask that you watch me on TV when I'm on the street. My daughter and I will wave to you and I want you to remember you kicked me out on behalf of a lying chief of staff and a corrupt government."
"Soon, when we're on the street, the people of Israel will know the truth," she said. After finishing with the ultra-Orthodox, they made us – religious Zionists - their target. They want to shave the ultra-Orthodoxy's sidecurls and you are collaborating with (Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon and the delusional (Vice Premier Shimon) Peres… yet, if you become religious, it was worth it."
Her 18-year-old son, Metanya, was asked if he plans on joining the army.
"The government is forcing us to consume pork; we'll have to decide if we can serve it," he replied.
