Jerusalem of Orange

Jerusalem--Today was Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Day, here, in commemoration of the reunification of the city during the Six Day War. Revelers waved thousands of blue and white Israeli flags in parades through the streets, but this year Israel's two national colors were often joined by a third: Orange. Orange ribbons symbolizing opposition to Prime Minister Sharon's plan to evacuate Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip are ubiquitous in the capital, although comparatively rare throughout the rest of the country. Despite the spirited opposition of the religious-Zionist movements, most Israelis seem to support the disengagement from Gaza. They don't support it out of unrealistic expectations that it will bring peace; indeed, many expect Palestinian terrorism to increase afterwards. Rather, they view separation from the Palestinians as a necessity for Israel's future, and they don't think Gaza can ever become a permanent part of Israel. Therefore, they don't think it is acceptable for any more Israeli soldiers to sacrifice their lives there. A pretty sensible view.

A bumper sticker that says: "A Jew doesn't expel a Jew."