A human face to the tragedy of the Israeli Lebanon war

As the Lebanon war raged, David Grossman, the celebrated Israeli writer, publicly urged his government to accept a ceasefire. Just days later, his soldier son was killed by one of Hizbollah's final anti-tank missiles. This is the eulogy he read at the funeral, which I hope you read in full.

Blogger Richard Silverstein, of Tikkun Olam asks "Of what possible use is the death of such a gifted child? There is but one silver lining. If his death can persuade a single person who was sitting on the fence that peaceful negotiations should trump war–then perhaps, just perhaps, there is some small shred of meaning we can glean from his death. Of course, I willingly deceive myself in this. Uri Grossman’s death is a vast waste of human potential. It is Israel’s tragedy writ small."

Meanwhile, Israeli Reservists attack Olmert's war tactitcs. Brigadier Yossi Heiman, head of infantry and paratroopers, told a ceremony on Sunday: "We have sinned the sin of hubris." The Spearhead Brigade, a unit of Israeli Reservists just returned from Lebanon, had an open letter published in the Israeli press yesterday, stating they'd lost confidence in Israeli leadership (specifically Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz.) Peretz has called for a limited investigation, but Olmert, (looking more and more like Bush Light) says "We don't have a lot of time to talk about what happened," he said. "We have to talk about what will happen."

The Reservists wrote about a lack of indecision, which they called "the cold-feet" of the decision-makers, saying they felt they'd been spat in the face by the leadership. "The heavy feeling that in the echelons above us there is nothing but under-preparation, insincerity, lack of foresight and inability to make rational decisions, leads to the question - were we called up for nothing?"

Calling for the resignations of Olmert and Peretz, another group of Reservists conducted a protest march of about 100 people went from Castel, the site of a 1948 battle, to Olmert’s house. Reservists may freely criticize the army, and were instrumental in bringing down Golda Meir's government after the surprise Yom Kippur attack by Egypt in 1973. The growing protests in Israel have not yet reached that level of strength, but it is growing.

The Kadima/Labor coalition has been weakened; the main beneficiaries of its potential collapse would be the the right wing. In all likelihood, they will pull together to try to preserve their coalition. Still, Olmert and Kadima, who were elected on March 28 with a campaign promise of sweeping withdrawal of settlers from the West Bank, have shelved that promise as Olmert talks about rebuilding the North (where I once lived.)

But the Reservists' demand for an investigation is finding support in Parliament. Olmert is against this because such an inquiry might have legal powers to question him and other government officials. (would that lead back to the US neocons?) Yesterday, while visiting Kiryat Shmona (which was hit by nearly 1/4 of the 4000 rockets fired into Israel by Hezbollah), Olmert said "I won't be part of this game of self-flagellation." Nice.

Olmert has asked his attorney general to come up with alternatives to a formal inquiry. A governmental investigation authorized by the cabinet, for example, could be better controlled by Olmert, even if outsiders are involved, and the cabinet could decide what is published.

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter suggested that Israel pursue peace talks with Syria, a Hezbollah sponsor, even if it means giving up the Golan Heights, which Israel conquered in 1967. Olmert rejected this suggestion. He says he will not negotiate with Syria until it stops supporting Hezbollah and Hamas.

In Improvisation class we learned about the process of building vs. blocking. In Improvisation, when your scene partners makes an offer (whatever they say or do is an offer), you can build by saying "Yes, and..." or you can block by saying "No" - well, where do you go when you are blocked? I've written before about the spiritual principle of "you go first" no matter who started the conflict, you must be the change you want to see in the world. If you lay down your weapons, if you step forward no matter what the risk to extend your hand in peace, you become the thread to mend the tear in the world.