still safe... and some sad news

date: Jul 19, 2006 5:15 PM
subject: still safe... and some sad news

Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for all of your e-mails of concern they are very much appreciated. I am currently in Jerusalem per request of the Jewish Agency and everyone I know in Israel and the US. The situation is still tense but I am proud of Israel. Please do not believe the liberal pro-Palestinian propoganda--Israel was attacked needlessly and is doing its best to defend itself.

A longer e-mail will ensue in the coming days. I am writing now with some sad news that my friend Yotam Gilboa z"l from my Nesiya summer trip in 2004 was killed today in Southern Lebanon. (more information: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1150886041730) We weren't the closest of friends but any Nesiya alum can attest that there is a special bond that we share. I can't describe the shock at seeing his picture on the news and knowing that Yotam, our strong, silent kibbutznik is no longer here. He was only 21.

Please pray for the three kidnapped Israeli soldiers and an end to this situation so that all the soldiers and civilians on both sides of the border can return to their normal lives.
I have attached Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's address to the Knesset (parliament) on Monday July 17th. It is long but worth reading if you have the chance.

Everyone please stay safe and take advantage of every single day.
With love,
Melanie

Address by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert - The Knesset

07/17/2006

Madam Speaker,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Members of Knesset,

At the outset, I offer condolences, on my behalf and on behalf of the government, the Knesset and the entire nation, to the families of the victims – both civilian and IDF. I also send best wishes for recovery to the wounded, and a huge embrace for the families of those kidnapped and the boys themselves.

Over the past few weeks, our enemies have challenged the sovereignty of the State of Israel and the safety of its residents – first in the southern sector, then on the northern border, and deeper into the home front.

Israel did not seek these confrontations. On the contrary. We have done a lot to prevent them. We returned to the borders of the State of Israel, recognized by the entire international community. There were those who misconstrued our desire for peace – for us and our neighbors – as a sign of frailty. Our enemies misinterpreted our willingness to exercise restraint as a sign of weakness.

They were wrong!


[there's more...but i ended it here]