Teenagers in Israel Stand up for Peace--The Shministim

 

(These are Ed Asner's words, posted on the Huffington Post web site on December 10, 2008.)

I've been around this world for awhile, and it's pretty hard to leave me speechless. But when I learned about Omer Goldman - well, her story got me.

If you haven't heard the name Omer Goldman yet, have a seat and grab your Kleenex. Her courage, and the courage of the other "Shministim" in Israel is utterly humbling. And amazing. I don't use those words lightly.

2008-12-10-Omerbw.jpg

As you can see from the photo, she's young and lovely. 19 years old. She's already served two terms in an Israeli military jail, where she had to wear an American military uniform (a gift to the Israelis) or face solitary confinement. Now, she's out of jail for medical reasons. But as you read this, many of her young friends are in an Israeli prison for refusing to serve in the military there.

This new generation of young Israeli kids is standing up to the government - they call 'em "Shministim." The Shministim- all about ages 17, 18, 19 and in the 12th grade - are taking a stand. They believe in a better, more peaceful future for themselves and for Israelis and Palestinians, and they are refusing to join the Israeli army. They're in jail, holding strong against immense pressure from family, friends and the Israeli government.
They need our support and they need it today.

In her own words:

"I first went to prison on September 23 and served 35 days. I am lucky, after 2 times in jail, I got a medical discharge, but I'm the only one. By the time you read this, many of my friends will be in prison too: in for three weeks, out for one, and then back in, over and over, until they are 21. The reason? We refuse to do military service for the Israeli army.

I grew up with the army. My father was deputy head of Mossad and I saw my sister, who is eight years older than me, do her military service. As a young girl, I wanted to be a soldier. The military was such a part of my life that I never even questioned it.

Earlier this year, I went to a peace demonstration in Palestine. I had always been told that the Israeli army was there to defend me, but during that demonstration Israeli soldiers opened fire on me and my friends with rubber bullets and tear-gas grenades. I was shocked and scared. I saw the truth. I saw the reality. I saw for the first time that the most dangerous thing in Palestine is the Israeli soldiers, the very people who are supposed to be on my side.

When I came back to Israel, I knew I had changed. And so, I have joined with a number of other young people who are refusing to serve - they call us the Shministim. On December 18th, we are holding a Day of Action in Israel, and we are determined to show Israelis and the world that there is wide support for stopping a culture of war. Will you join us? Please, just sign a letter. That's all it takes."

 

So, there you go. Omer Goldman. Now that you've met her, I'll bet you won't forget her. Better yet, damn it, do something for her, for the Shministim, for peace. Jewish Voice for Peace is the U.S. group heading things up for them. Here's the link.

One more thing - I know that this can be a tough subject for many of us Jews. But, I find it hard to believe than anyone can look Omer in the eye and tell her that she has to risk her life and her future for Israel whether she wants to or not. It's just not right. Especially during this time of year, when many of us are getting ready to celebrate a holiday about freedom- well, take a good long look at that photo. You're celebrating her.

 

Thanks for reading and send your letter here.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-asner/shminisitim_b_150043.html

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ChrisBowers's picture

Thank you so much for posting that LeAnn!!!!

What a wonderful affirmation of Divinity!  The Indigo and Crystal Children incarnating in for this very special time on and in Earth history are "on point" and full of steady heartfelt resolve that fear shall have no control over.  Love and Light streaming through them so bright they hardly see anything else but that which is real and infinite.  The veil is lifting in spite of physical incarnation during this very wonderful and amazing time!!!!  They know who they are earlier and earlier at an increasing rate, and they are not forgetting and becoming entangled in the pettiness of past human behavior....

Dear Elizabeth, thank you so much for bringing up the Mose Code again.  It is so fitting to use that meditation vigil to assist these brave children of Light and Love during this time. as well as all of the Palestinian people.  I went there (to the link you provided) to listen to it and then ordered the CD and the book/DVD package.  Jonathan Goldman's involvement with the frequencies is very good to see too.

I Am THAT, I Am

Love/Light, Chris

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ChrisBowers's picture

What I really like about this prayer of affirmation is the understanding that begins to develop in the pray-er - the understanding that we ALL are Creator, for the Creator is One.  How could I ever learn to truly love my "perceived" enemies if I do not understand that they also are the Creator???

When my understanding is transformed into knowledge of the Truth, than so shall Be the world I see.  If I fight the world I see because I disagree, I am willfully affirming the self-perpetuated illusion....

With this developed/remembered understanding of the Divine, I am left utterly void of any rationale whatsoever for negative expression of any kind, for the Truth that lies infinitely in the Love and the Light of Creation did not stop Being just because I turned my gaze away from the core Truth that is at the Heart of my Being.  It simply and patiently awaits my ultimate and inevitable return to that infinite and unassailable understanding that is the Prime Initial and Core Single Thought of the One Infinite Creator,

I Am That, I Am.....

Love/Light, Chris

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ChrisBowers's picture

Here is the jvp.org website

www.jvp.org

they also have a developing gathering on Facebook....

So Be IT that I Am THAT,  I Am

Love/Light, Chris

The Gathering Spot is a PEERS empowerment website
"Dedicated to the greatest good of all who share our beautiful world"