On Gaza Beach, Avi Shavit, NYRB, 7/18/91
Brave essay by an Israeli soldier on his time in Gaza...sixteen years ago. Imagine what it's like in the OTs today...
Ah, yes, "beautiful Israel." Yes, just about any group of people will act this way, given the ethically corrosive effects of military occupation. Inflicting daily humiliation and torture warps those who carry it out -- not nearly as much as those who withstand it, of course. Those who give the orders from air-conditioned offices? I think we all know how they rationalize it -- whatever national government they happen to be a part of.
Ah, yes, "beautiful Israel." Yes, just about any group of people will act this way, given the ethically corrosive effects of military occupation. Inflicting daily humiliation and torture warps those who carry it out -- not nearly as much as those who withstand it, of course. Those who give the orders from air-conditioned offices? I think we all know how they rationalize it -- whatever national government they happen to be a part of.