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Rachel Saperstein is a teacher at the Neve Dekalim ulpana and a spokeswoman for the Katif Regional Council.
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By Rachel Saperstein
August 17, 2007
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"Hello, Mrs. Saperstein. I'm a reporter for the Jerusalem Post. I'd like your opinion on the demonstration planned for this Friday by the Society for the Preservation of Nature in Israel against your building on Hazan Hill in Lachish. Why are you building there? You will be in the path of the migrating birds that fly over Lachish twice a year and you'll disturb their nesting area. Why don't you build elsewhere? People from Tel Aviv need this green area to visit."
Think fast, Rachel! Surely you've got an answer. Don't be sarcastic! Don't scream "What about my nest?" Where will Gush Katif refugees migrate to when we are forced to leave our refugee camps?
I took a deep breath, calmed my charged emotions, and began to speak.
"Our first project in the Lachish area, Egoz Hill, was scrapped because the Israel Electrical Company refused to move dangerous pylons. We negotiated for Hazan Hill and are now receiving government approval and permits. Surely migrating birds, who manage to avoid the electric pylons and will manage to avoid us as well, should not take precedence over 500 families waiting for a permanent home."
"How many people have visited the Lachish area?" I asked. "How many even know of its existence. Our presence there will draw visitors to see the area?s wonders and beauties. We will develop the long-neglected caves in the region. We will build nature trails in the footsteps of our prophets and ancient kings. We will guide the people and tell the stories of our Biblical history and those who trod upon these rolling hills.
"We will build a hotel and spa so visitors can enjoy its unspoiled beauty while being treated physically and spiritually with Jewish concepts of health and healing.
"We will place proper observation posts near bird sanctuaries so our visitors can truly enjoy the migration?
"We will establish a residential school for handicapped youngsters.
"An assisted-living hotel and apartment complex will meet the needs of our elderly.
"Our own homes, built with the environment as our guide, will be nestled in the hills along with small cabins for low-cost family vacations.?
"Everything that we do? everything!" I continued, "will be compatible with the unique ecosystem of the area. That is why we ask SPNI to welcome us, to work with us, to lend us their wisdom, experience and desire to protect our beautiful homeland.
"The wildflowers will continue to blossom. The birds will pass unhindered. Wherever the people of Gush Katif live, the land will be blessed?"
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