Note: Below you will find texts which can be adapted for simulated press
conferences, worked into drama scenarios etc.
(Based upon the Baumels' article, "Time for Release of Long Lost Sons,"
Jerusalem Post, September 13, 1993.)
Shalom. My name is Miriam Baumel. I am Zachary's mother. I am here today
to tell you my story. It is a story that I do not like to tell, but I
must if I am ever to see my son again.
As you know, every Israeli citizen is called upon to serve in the Israel
Defense Forces (IDF). Every mother and father who sends a son or daughter
to serve dreads the thought of their loved one falling into enemy hands.
This is what has happened to my son.
Zachary has been missing since 1982. His captors have not permitted Zachary,
nor myself, to speak or write to each other. Nobody knows where he is.
What has been helpful to me, though, is that Israel and Israelis are
very sympathetic to the families whose relatives have died from war and
terrorism. There have been many. But most of all, they empathize with
the families of the missing. I have felt their deep emotion through their
singular looks of horror and by the words frozen in their throats.
It has been over eleven [ed. note: sixteen] years since I have seen my
son. I do not know with any certainty if he is alive or dead. The countries
or organizations that are illegally holding our son have inflicted a pain
and anguish upon my family that we would wish upon no one.
Our government and our people have always prided themselves on being
responsible for one another. So please, for my and for Israel's long-absent
sons, raise your voice to bring them home.
All of us in the Israel Defense Forces live our lives with a fear of
the horrible reality of war. We try to be brave and not allow it to interfere
with our operations.... But the feeling is there.
One particular fear is that of falling into the hands of one of the Arab
countries or terrorist organizations, who are not known for their gentle
treatment of prisoners. I shudder at the thought of one of my friends
or me being forced to live in that nightmare.
There are four Israeli soldiers who are missing in action. I don't know
them personally, but I feel totally frustrated that I am not able to help
them. This feeling of powerlessness is so painful.
One of the fundamental tenets of Israeli military life is that if, God
forbid, you are taken prisoner, your unit will do all that is humanly
possible to rescue you - often at the cost of human life.
I can't help but wonder: "What are the MIAs thinking? Do they believe
that we let them down, that we have not done everything possible to secure
their release?"
I cannot help but feel guilty.
Perhaps the current peace process will provide the key to their release.
I hope that it will. Israelis have worried enough about the battlefield
and for our survival. It is time to pursue peace and bring our people
home. In the meantime, I am going to make sure that as many people as
possible will know the names of Ron Arad, Zachary Baumel, Yehuda Katz,
and Zvi Feldman.
Israel will not forget our MIA’s.
Most of my friends think that it is cool to take a stand on different
issues. A lot of us are involved with clubs in school that deal with protecting
the environment, fighting racism, and stuff like that.
Recently, I learned about a real tragedy. There are four Israeli soldiers
who are being held hostage somewhere in Syria, Lebanon, or Iran. I have
only heard about this issue a few weeks ago through my youth group.
My friends often ask me, "Why is this particular issue so important to
you? Israel is so far away... and you’re not even Israeli -- you’re an
American!"
It's hard for them to understand that being Jewish makes me feel connected
to Israel and Israelis. There is much more to Judaism than religious rituals
and beliefs. I know that I am part of a people that takes responsibility
for one another and that shares a future together.
After going to Israel with my youth group, I began to see how Israel
fits into my life. This experience has helped me to develop my own connection
-- to Israel and to myself. The best way to describe what I have been
feeling is to say that I am becoming a Zionist. This feeling leads me
to want to learn more about Israel and the Jewish People.
So, when Israeli soldiers are imprisoned illegally... and when their
families are suffering terribly, I feel the responsibility to speak out
for them. If I don't...who will? They say, "Kol Yisrael Areivim Ze Lazeh":
every one of the Jewish people is responsible for each other. Now I know
what that means.
Tuesday, December
19, 2000 16:26:18