1. IntroductionWe would wish Hitknatkut its outcomes to be as humane a process as possible, but we are all aware of the deep-rooted emotions it raises and the traumatic outcomes it portends. Below are two experiential options to explore the issues and the politics of Disengagement. The first is a Simulation Game narrowing the issues and the participation to focus on Gush Katif through 6 roles ( or groups), who need to create coalitions to promote their interests (for and against Disengagement). Sources/references/facts are provided – these appear position sheets and background files. The second is a Stations Game that allows each group to rotate through a different experience and excludes competitive dynamics, providing a round-up of the major issues, suitable from mid-adolescence. 2. Simulation Game: Disengagement in Gush Katifby Gila Ansell Brauner, Schlomo Balsam. Activity for 20-35 participants. 1. PurposeDisengagement becomes reality this summer (2005): this simulation activity focuses on a selection of composite profiles from Gush Katif, and offers an opportunity to play out and address a wide range of issues running up to Disengagement. This simulation game is designed to explore and experience major facets of the Disengagement process in a range of representative roles, and through the prism of those most directly involved. 2. Summary & LinksParticipants are divided into five or six groups and will be assigned roles and information sheets, source materials, etc. (individual copies). Source materials include: The Sela group have all the documents for a-d, g-h, and their own documents for e-f. The media group receive information #b,c,f and produce their spots as they go along. NB: It is also possible to provide blue/orange ribbons, stickers, coloured balloons,etc. 3. Procedure
4. Role CardsThe figures and personalities presented below are not based on any known person or persons in real life, and any resemblance is purely coincidental.
A1. Pnina and Uzi & familyThe family owns and operates hothouses in a Gush Katif settlement, Uzi has a degree in Law and an MA in Business Management. Pnina works as a social worker outside the settlement. The children are at high school. Position: We see things a bit differently today, if there is no future for us in the Gaza Strip with the movement towards a Palestinian state, sooner or later we will have to leave. We therefore agree to leave everything we have built here, although it will be difficult, not as simple as moving house and a business - although we need sufficient compensation and assistance to cover moving the hothouses, schools and our home. We have the information, and we are waiting for the government and Sela to offer us more for the business and its relocation - they brought us here, we shouldn't have to be out of pocket if they want us to leave. It's not a welcome decision by the government, but it's one that was voted by a democratic majority, after a lot of hassle and media hype. The government didn't have much choice, either. We definitely want to do it in an organized manner and together with as many other families as possible: It's important that our children experience the least possible trauma and are accepted at good schools for next year, and the same goes for other people. We are very concerned about the impact of the media and any violence on our own children and have discussed it with them, they are old enough to understand.
A2. Sarah and Shimon & familyThe family has been here 28 years, since the first settlement in Gush Katif, raised a family and have grandchildren here, we have three generations here and Sarah's mother lives with them. The youngest boy is still in the army, in Hesder. Both work in the agricultural business, which produces Gush Katif vegetables. Position: We oppose and will oppose disengagement and giving up any part of Eretz Yisrael. Our children are involved in opposition to Disengagement, two are married and live here, one is in Hesder, and one lives in a settlement in Samaria. They built their lives in Gush Katif, like us: we are not materialistic and it is not a matter of compensation or alternatives, we want to stay here and will oppose Disengagement with any legal means at our disposal. We are shocked at the way in which the community here is being delegitimised in the media. Ariel Sharon has gone back on his own principles. If you ask the majority of Israelis today, a lot of people feel that the government has not taken this decision in a democratic manner and most wanted a referendum. Gush Katif is also strategically important to the State of Israel, precisely because it is inside the Gaza Strip and on the coastline. The Palestinians and the PA aren't going to become law-abiding and peaceful overnight with a unilateral Disengagement. If we leave, the Negev and Ashkelon become Israel's frontline border areas; defense experts and most people in the country believe that the security situation will deteriorate.
A3. Judy and Rafi & familyThe family came from a religious kibbutz to Gush Katif 12 years ago when they were newly married. Judy was actually born in America, she is a physiotherapist; Rafi is an engineer, he has an air-conditioning and plumbing business. They have 4 children at home between the ages of 3-11. Position: We live a Torah life and the Torah and our Rabbis say that it is forbidden to give up any part of Eretz Yisrael. We oppose and will oppose disengagement and giving up any part of Eretz Yisrael, it is not a matter of money, it is simply forbidden. We will defend our homes, lives and beliefs, that is our right, we are not leaving. Having settlements in Gush Katif is important to Israel's security, too. The IDF's presence here is vital to it in the future: the Palestinians won't control their own terrorists or the violence and the IDF can't stay here if there are no settlements. Ariel Sharon has reneged on his own principles and turned against those of his party and successive Israeli governments. The government has not passed these laws in a democratic manner, there needs to be a referendum. We have tried to make our point peacefully, but now we and our point of view are being delegitimised, we are being denied the democratic right to free speech and protest. We will do whatever we have to do to stop disengagement, if we manage to bring about elections, we can stop it.
A4. Yossi, Shmulik, and othersReligious IDF officers serving in Gush Katif, who are from Judea and Samaria. We grew up in different places, but we have been serving in Gush Katif, where we know a lot of people and have made friends, although relations are tense now with the families that are anti-disengagement, and they no longer invite us to their homes. We accept disengagement and will follow orders, the government has a right to pass laws. It's going to be difficult to defend everyone under the circumstances, but disorder will only make it more perilous. Additional Documents:
A5. Yehonatan Basi and Sela [The Disengagement Authority]Disengagement is a government policy that has been legislated democratically in the Knesset, together with the necessary timetable and upcoming compensation laws, which should be implemented on schedule and as humanely as possible. It is a painful process for those involved but it also represents a landmark in Israel's history and that of the Zionist movement, whether traditional or religious To help the Disengagement Plan's implementation in a positive atmosphere, the Israeli government aims to provide realistic compensation, as well as feasible options for communities or individual families to set down roots in new homes and communities around Israel. This is the human side of the operation, showing our understanding towards those who have to relocate, and we are also providing psycho-social support for them - before and after Disengagement. We will do everything in our power to assist families to make this decision and offer the support that they need to relocate. We will also coordinate with the Police, so that it can proceed smoothly and peacefully. {C} 3. Stations Game – Disengagement in Gush KatifDeveloped from the Simulation Game 1. PurposeAs for the simulation game above. 2. Summary & LinksIn this game, the group receives and browses general background material provided as Links*, and then rotates around six stations, and plays/encounters figures in role, with a facilitator acting in role at each station (two facilitators for the IDF station). Estimated time: 60-90 minutes. The Links are the same as brought for above. 3. StationsB1. Religious IDF soldiersThis group will assume the roles of Religious IDF officers serving in Gush Katif. The officers are from Judea and Samaria - they grew up in different places, but have been serving in Gush Katif where they know a lot of people and have made friends, although relations are tense now with the families that are anti-Disengagement and they are no longer invited into their homes. In general, they accept Disengagement and will follow orders - the government has a right to pass laws. It's going to be difficult to defend everyone under the dangerous circumstances, but disorder will only make it more perilous. At one point, they meet a secular right wing officer who tries to convince them to refuse orders. At this stage, a 5 minute discussion will take place, focusing on the following points: 1. Whether Disengagement will bring true peace and the problems of controlling terror after Disengagement. Additional Documents: http://www.jafi.org.il/education/actual/conflict/disengagement/6a.html
B2. The Family DilemmaAt this station the participants will engage in an introspective, thought provoking assignment [5 minutes]. Imagine yourself sitting in the garden chatting happily with your neighbours. Close your eyes and take a moment to think about this image. Now imagine that in 2 months time all these things will be taken away from you.
B3. Religious ZionismAt this station the participants will meet a right-wing "Rabbi" who is against Disengagement, but also against violence. The participants will ask questions and focus on the following points [5 minutes]:
B4. The CommunityAt this station the participants will meet the "Mazkir" (Secretary) of a community/ settlement in the Gaza Strip. Agenda:
B5. The Left Wing LobbyAt this station the participants meet a left wing lobbyist who opposes Disengagement. The following points will be the main focus of the discussion [5 minutes]: 4. ConclusionThe participants come back together and review the following:
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