Veterans for Peace Action team at the US Embassy in Israel. Left to Right Lorna Vander Zanden, Ken Mayers, Tarak Kauff, Mike Hastie, Elik Elhanan, Itamar Shapira, Eran Torbiner, Ellen Barfield Photo by Ellen Davidson
On our last day we went to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv. We did not expect the result we got, but after around 40 minutes of our protest, a young fellow with a yarmuke on, came over to us with a big smile and said, “I don’t know if you realize it, but the embassy is shut down because of you. I think they’re afraid of you or something. See that big crowd over there? They’re all waiting to get in.” He thought it was great.
We felt at that point, our mission was more than complete and so told him to go tell them that we were leaving and they could open now, which he was delighted to go and convey. He asked what our “message” was and that he would give them any message we asked and take it inside. Ellen Davidson said, “We want the occupation to end and equal rights for everybody.” That was good enough for all of us.
We also had a great time in our visit to Palestine and Israel. Our friends Elik, who will receive his PhD from Columbia soon, Itamar, Yonatan Shapira’s younger brother and a terrific activist in his own right and Eran, who makes documentary films are all former IDF and original members of Combatants for Peace, just the greatest people.
This was my first trip to Palestine and far exceeded my expectations. We will be returning.
We have been covering the travels of the Vets for Peace Action group in Palestine, you can see those reports here or visit www.StopTheseWars.org.
Tarak Kauff serves on the Board of Directors for Veterans for Peace and is active with CODE PINK and Popular Resistance.