An article by Gili Cohen in the Israeli daily paper, Haaretz, reveals how more and more nasty incursions are made on Palestinians AND even on the Israeli Defense Force by wayward Jewish settlers in the West Bank.  Unchecked  hooliganism has become the order of the day, it seems, and forces a re-definition of ‘terrorism’. 

IDF soldiers: Problem in West Bank isn't Palestinians, it's Jews

'Our purpose there is to protect the Jews, but they generate many of the problems. It's very confusing,' says combat soldier discharged last year.

By Gili Cohen    Published 16.12.11

Recent attacks by right-wing extremists on Israel Defense Forces soldiers in the West Bank are just one manifestation of the violence to which many have been subjected during their service in recent years. Both regular and reserve soldiers, including junior officers, spoke about the complicated situation they find themselves in: having to protect the settlers while at the same time being attacked by them.
"Our purpose there is to protect the Jews, but they generate many of the problems. It's very confusing," said Nadav Bigelman, a combat soldier who was discharged last year…….

The situation in the West Bank has turned upside down, he said. "We used to have a code for Palestinians throwing stones. Today it's been reversed to indicate Jews are throwing stones at Palestinians."
Bigelman, today a researcher for the Breaking the Silence organization, served in Hebron in 2008. At the time he kept a "Hebron diary" documenting settlers' violent activities, from stone throwing to cursing Palestinians, tourists and left-wing activists. One day a settler attacked his battalion commander during an argument and tore his epaulets off............

 Read more at:  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/idf-soldiers-problem-in-west-bank-isn-t-palestinains-it-s-jews-1.401683

Kairos Palestine speaks out.....from Bethlehem....

I quote from the EAPPI December 2011 Newsletter (Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestine and Israel) about the continuing and shocking demolitions which more Palestinians are facing:

“The UN reported that the army demolished over 199 homes this year to 12 December, along with 340 structures such as rainwater cisterns and animal shelters - the very basis of farming livelihoods in Area C. The occupation has displaced over 1,051 Palestinians this year, some due to violence by Israeli settlers but mostly due to demolitions. This compares to 606 for the whole of 2010.”

As we all enter the Holy Season for Christians (Christmas) and Jews (Hannakah), could we please reflect on the call of Palestinian Christians  (http://globalministries.org/news/mee/pdfs/Kairos-Palestine-The-Bethlehem-call-Dec-2011.pdf)   for a better way…….  More than 60 participants from 15 countries (including South Africa) heeded an urgent call by Kairos Palestine by joining Palestinians between 4-10 December 2011 in the Kairos for Global Justice Encounter/Conference in Bethlehem.

Anger is upon us, folks. Anger plus terrible frustrations, as the Israeli military Occupation literally destroys peoples’ existence.  Homes and shelters are the soul of one’s society…..  Surely, there must be some sort of compassion out there to stop this nightmare facing ordinary people and their families!

And also note a Franciscan prayer at the end of this call……..

Klezmer music.....and jazz, anyone?

I peeked into the Center for the Book’s concert last night – of the Cape Town’s Shpiel band celebrating its album launch of klezmer music. And how energizing they were!  I actually popped in to buy their CD “Playing with Fire” and heard fun renditions of African songs put to klezmer umpah umpah. Proceeds of the CD go to the Cape Jewish Seniors Association.

With tuba sounds on my brain, I raced off to Swingers for the Monday night jazz jam! Oh boy!  I just missed a 10+ - strong St. Joseph’s jazz band frontline the evening, led by their teacher and able drummer Adam Coolsat. Rats!  But it’s good to see youth having a performance platform at Swingers. Thanks, Swingers!  The evening continued to be filled with the usually good local talents of UCT music graduates and other older professionals, led by Alvin Dyer. A highlight was to hear graduate members of the youth Delft Big Band playing on their own steam, and wow, what talent!  Swingers is great between 10pm – midnight, if you’re a sound sleeper for early morning rises!