Knesset Speaker Edelstein Inaugurates Artwork In Commemoration of Gush Katif -Evacuated Communities in 2005
Jerusalem (TPS) – Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein inaugurated a miniature bronze piece of artwork by artist Aharon Shevo earlier today, commemorating the Jewish communities of Gush Katif in the Gaza Strip and in northern Samaria evacuated in 2005. The artwork is a broken bronze Star of David with a palm tree filling the broken void, symbolizing the ability to grow from destruction.
“The Knesset made the difficult decision of evacuating Gush Katif,” said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein. “The purpose of the artwork is to commemorate the evacuation as well as to remember the decision.”
The 21 Jewish communities of Gush Katif and four communities in northern Samaria were evacuated as part of the Disengagement Plan proposed by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to former US President George W. Bush.
The Disengagement Plan was a unilateral proposal by Sharon intended to fall in line with the principles outlined in the Road Map plan introduced by President Bush in 2002, which envisioned the creation of a Palestinian state side-by-side with Israel. Approximately 9,000 Jews were evacuated as a result of the Disengagement Plan.
“It is fitting that the Knesset, which made the decision on the matter, will remember and remind its visitors of the communities of Gush Katif and northern Samaria,” remarked Speaker Edelstein at the ceremony.
The Disengagement Plan not only led to the evacuation of thousands of Israelis from their homes but separated many of the residents, such as those who worked in the farming and agricultural sector, from their businesses and livelihoods as well.
“The Knesset must also remind the visitors of the settlement that used to be there along with the farms and the residents that used to live there,” added Speaker Edelstein.
Speaker Edelstein also expressed his desire for the artwork to permanently remain in the Knesset. “My hope is that this artwork will spark the interest of the visitors to the Knesset,” Speaker Edelstein emphasized. “I had no political motive for placing the artwork in the Knesset.”
“As long as I am speaker, the Knesset will be its official residence,” Speaker Edelstein continued. “I hope that future Knesset speakers will understand that they will have to make decisions here that are important and sometimes difficult.”