The thing is..............to be in and among a huge group of like minded citizens was nothing short of a miracle (this word chosen carefully).
It was thrilling
It felt so right. Everyone there cared desperately for America, for Israel, for the free world
Living in a Blue State retards your view of the world. No need here to couch every word, to
soften the "food" - to make it palpable for consumption by shallow thinkers. Everyone there "gets" it and AIPAC has roots in both parties, a compromise I find distasteful but such thinking is naive, immature and self sabotaging . Israel needs everybody, it is a NON PARTISAN issue. It is a Life and Death issue.
Look I am just a girl, and to have an opportunity to joust with Sharansky, discuss blogging with Richard Pearle, meet dissidents from Iran, etc was just a dream.
The second evening's Gala dinner was hugely attended. Arnie from Milwaukee (!), documentary filmmakerinvites me to dine at to his table - Wisconsin (they seem to make 'em psychically whole up there in cheeseworld). The table was more interesting than my New York table for whatever reason. I am seated next to a Professor of Agricultural Economics, nothing like Austrian Economics mind you, and we are bantering back and forth.........so at one point I said "you are a Jew right?" and he said "no"............ and it blew me away.
I wanted to take Enrique home, I wanted to hold this man up to the world as a light. Non effacing, modest, quiet, thoughtful.............a typical attendee.
This was typical. Every moment atypical.
The crowd was young, again atypical. Every event I attend (most Israel events I attend ie CAMERA, UJA, is generally an elderly crowd).Alot of young people. Thank G-d.
Ther forums, summits, and all vital. The main issue IRANIAN NUKES, frightening.
And the man in the arena? Sharon, I believe he is going against everything he ever held dear to make Israel safe. At the end of the day, this is his objective.I know at first (second, third) glance the disengagement is hideous, but it is a boots on the ground plan. It is a REALITY plan. Close ranks, close borders, and keep the Palis out - end of story. DEVELOP ALL THAT DESERT, the Negev. If not the Jews, then who?
Yes, it was painful to see and hear a man behind me skull cap, talis, start screaming "I WILL NOT LEAVE MY HOME" over and over again while they dragged him out.
But it was also heartening to watch the entire crowd stand and and shout down the next heckler.
Still coming down from the high..................
and it was good
