Israelis mourn Gaza deaths

[Scurrilous]

Obituaries published in Haaretz express 'deep sorrow' over Beit Hanoun victims. Edna Kovarski of Herzliya tells Ynet she published obituary because of shame she felt for what Israel is doing

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3328788,00.html

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"The readers of Haaretz daily newspaper in the past days were in for a surprise after three Israeli citizens published obituaries in the back pages of the newspaper which expressed their grief for the death of civilians in Beit Hanoun last week. The last obituary was purchased by Edna Kovarski of Herzliya, who paid approximately NIS 2,800 (USD 650).

Kovarski wrote in the obituary that she "bows her head in shame and deep grief for your heavy loss. The sane Israeli public is invited to join these condolences."

Kovarski told Ynet that since the morning hours she has been receiving calls from Israelis who wish to publish similar obituaries in the newspaper. "I published it because of the great shame of what we do and for all the dead and injured." The family members of those who were killed, called Kovarski and thanked her for the gesture.

The first one to publish such an obituary was Moshe Simhovich of Jerusalem. According to him, after walking for two days frustrated and hurt because of the incident in Beit Hanoun, he decided to act.

"I thought this was a war crime what happened in Beit Hanoun. It bothered me that innocent people got hurt. I decided to publish an obituary because I thought a letter to the editor will not get published," he said."



Father of kidnapped IDF soldier to visit injured Palestinians

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"Noam Shalit, the father of kidnapped Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, is to visit the Palestinian civilians injured in the bombardment of Beit Hanun who are recovering at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Shalit said he was going to express sympathy for those injured in the terrible tragedy that struck them, and to wish them a speedy recovery.

He will take the opportunity to call for a cease-fire.

Shalit said he was not bothered by those who criticized him over the visit, coming after the Qassam attack on Sderot on Wednesday.

"Of course I also identify with the residents of Sderot and I am very sorry about what happened," Shalit said. "Clearly violence begets violence and hatred begets hatred, and therefore both sides should stop the bloodshed and try to reach some kind of dialogue."

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/788567.html

[John Gauger]

1. That is a beautiful gesture.

This is proof that there are people of conscience in Israel. They understand that, like Mr. Shalit said, "violence begets violence and hatred begets hatred." They just want the killing to stop. There is indeed hope for Middle East peace. I feel for that man. He must miss his son dearly.

[IntiRaymi]

2. There are good people everywhere.

What you have to beware of are the fearful ones. The ones that would excuse absolutely anything out of fear.