During this week of singing, however, one voice stood out by its absence and emphasised the courage of the demonstrators.
Yaffa Yarkoni, known to Israelis as “The Singer of the Wars” did not appear at the Peace Rally and will not be commemorating Ariel Sharon’s “Operation Defensive Shield”.
Since 1948, she has sung the anthems of her nation, inspiring Israelis to great feats of courage. On the Bi-Centennial of Israel she was awarded the Israel Prize for outstanding achievement.
Now, she is frightenened.
Yaffa Yarkoni, known to Israelis as “The Singer of the Wars” did not appear at the Peace Rally and will not be commemorating Ariel Sharon’s “Operation Defensive Shield”.
Since 1948, she has sung the anthems of her nation, inspiring Israelis to great feats of courage. On the Bi-Centennial of Israel she was awarded the Israel Prize for outstanding achievement.
Now, she is frightenened.
When she saw photos of what happened in Jenin, she criticised the IDF and since then, she has been subjected to all sorts of threats and condemnation.
In an Army Radio interview, she said that this was "the worst Yom Hatzmaut (Independence Day, May 14) I can remember. I have never seen things more dismal or black. I feel we are at the edge of the abyss."
She called to mind the days when Israelis eagerly fought in previous wars "because we knew it was a war of existence. Today, what are we fighting for? Are we fighting for territories? For what?"
In an Army Radio interview, she said that this was "the worst Yom Hatzmaut (Independence Day, May 14) I can remember. I have never seen things more dismal or black. I feel we are at the edge of the abyss."
She called to mind the days when Israelis eagerly fought in previous wars "because we knew it was a war of existence. Today, what are we fighting for? Are we fighting for territories? For what?"
One of her sons-in-law is one of the “refuseniks”, Israeli soldiers who believe that the current military action is immoral.
It is well worth reading the full text of the Los Angeles Times article: “A Venerable Voice in Israel Is Muted After Questioning Army's Actions”, by Mary Curtius, April 29, 2002; http://www.latimes.com.
On Sunday, May 12, the Likud Party declared that it opposes the creation of any Palestinian State.
The Likud is currently the dominant political force in Israel and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s party.
It is well worth reading the full text of the Los Angeles Times article: “A Venerable Voice in Israel Is Muted After Questioning Army's Actions”, by Mary Curtius, April 29, 2002; http://www.latimes.com.
On Sunday, May 12, the Likud Party declared that it opposes the creation of any Palestinian State.
The Likud is currently the dominant political force in Israel and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s party.