Marzel: God punished southern residents
Photo: Alex Kolomoisky
Far rightist: Bird flu pullout punishment
Leader of National Jewish Front says bird flu outbreak 'punishment from God' for kibbutzim used to house 'expulsion headquarters'
The bird flu outbreak in southern Israel is God's punishment for the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank disengagement, National Jewish Front Chairman Baruch Marzel says.
In the wake of the bird flu outbreak, rightists have been voicing various theories regarding the connection between the disease and the implementation of the pullout. Marzel himself is certain such connection exists.
"You were punished by God and now you'll have to ask for the forgiveness of Gush Katif residents," Marzel wrote in a letter to southern residents whose communities were affected by bird flu.
Bird Flu
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"The kibbutz was used to house the expulsion headquarters because of greed, and therefore the bird flu outbreak happened there of all places," the far right leader wrote in his letter to Ein HaShlosha kibbutz.
Marzel later told Ynet that anti-pullout activists were pained by the fact nearby southern communities did nothing to help Gush Katif residents.
"They were neighbors, and so even if politically they do not support (the settlements of) Judea and Samaria, they should have assisted their neighbors," Marzel said. "Yet they made money from the expulsion of Gush Katif residents."
Marzel added southern residents should ask former Gazans for forgiveness and then seek advice with leading rabbis.
"Maybe that will help them," he said.
In a bid to predict the future, Marzel said southern residents "will be waiting for compensation now, and government officials will abuse them," referring to the mistreatment of Gaza evacuees.
"Maybe then they will understand and have a little sympathy for those expelled, who are waiting for their compensation money," Marzel concluded."
