MK Yitzhak Kroizer Reflects on Gaza Disengagement Pain and Lessons from October 7 Terror Attack

In a special column marking Tisha B'Av and the Gaza Strip disengagement, Israeli MK Yitzhak Kroizer shares his enduring personal pain and memories from the 2005 expulsion from Gush Katif. Kroizer recalls the deep sense of loss tied to the destruction of his childhood home and community, describing the event not just as political but as a profound personal devastation that has lingered for over two decades. He evokes the golden sands and open sea of his youth, emphasizing the strong identity and connection to the land that was severed.

Kroizer recounts the tense days leading up to the disengagement, highlighting the hope and belief among many Israelis that the forced evacuation would be stopped by a last-minute miracle. Despite widespread protests and a divided nation, the government proceeded, homes were demolished, and the area was left desolate, sowing seeds of future conflict. He reflects on the ongoing pain that has transformed into a mature understanding that the land is a vital protective barrier for Israel.

The MK draws a direct line from the 2005 disengagement to the October 7, 2023 terror attack by Hamas, which shattered illusions about "land for peace." He describes the shock and horror as Israel faced the brutal reality of terrorism emanating from areas abandoned during the disengagement. Kroizer, who joined the fight alongside fellow soldiers, stresses that the collapse of the "territories for peace" concept is now widely recognized across Israeli society.

He concludes with a message of resilience and hope, invoking the historical example of Rabbi Akiva who maintained faith amid destruction. Kroizer asserts that rebuilding Gush Katif and renewing Jewish settlement there is essential for Israel’s security and future peace. The sands of Gush Katif, he says, await their return, and this time, Israelis will come back to stay.

Summary: MK Yitzhak Kroizer reflects on the lasting pain of the 2005 Gaza disengagement and connects it to the October 7 terror attacks, emphasizing the need to rebuild Jewish settlements in Gush Katif for Israel’s security and future.

Points: - MK Kroizer shares personal memories of the 2005 Gush Katif disengagement and its lasting pain. - He recalls the hope that the forced evacuation would be stopped, which did not materialize. - Kroizer links the disengagement to the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack, exposing the failure of "land for peace." - He highlights the nationwide realization that abandoning settlements leads to increased terrorism. - Kroizer calls for rebuilding Gush Katif and renewing Jewish settlement as a strategic necessity. - He expresses hope and faith in Israel’s ability to restore and secure its homeland.

Topic: politics Israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people": ["Yitzhak Kroizer", "Rabbi Akiva"], "organizations": ["Hamas", "IDF"], "places": ["Gush Katif", "Israel", "Gaza Strip"]}