GUSH ETZION MAYOR TO ARMY: WE WARNED YOU

By Ruthie Lieberman

 Today's cold-blooded murder of three innocent Israelis standing at a bus stop this afternoon in Gush Etzion could have been prevented, Mayor Shaul Goldstein told the press this evening. Two young women and a 13-year-old boy lost their lives. "Three lives were lost, after our repeated warnings. I sat with army heads at this very intersection last week, pointing out the dangers of the situation on our roads. It's simple: all of the roads were opened up to Arab traffic, and our lives are at risk," said Goldstein. Municipal workers witnessed the terrorist act, noting that an Arab in a blue van pulled up, stopped in front of the bus stop, and opened fire, then continued to drive south in escape. Asked about the planned fence, Mayor Goldstein replied: "The fence is a fiction. It is a six billion shekel farce, which brings with it no increase in security for Israel. Terrorists can shoot through it, around it, they can kill us point-blank, turn around and simply walk home. Who's going to take the time to find the key to the fence so the army can chase after him?  "It's time for us to wake up and realize that by opening our roads, leaving army posts unmanned, and abandoning most of the army checkpoints, we are sitting ducks. What more can we say? How many more of us must be murdered?" At this time, the residents of Gush Etzion and Efrat are gathered on the road at the northern entrance to Efrat, in a show of strength and protest for the lack of concern for their lives. They have been joined by MK's and other leaders, and plan to remain in the area, establishing posts on the surrounding hills in order to ensure safe access on the main road.

ONWARD: Life goes on. The Gush Etzion regional council has announced this evening that it will be sponsoring three buses from Jerusalem per day, bulletproof and free of charge, to bring people to the area during the Sukkot vacation. Activities and celebrations will go on as planned, with the hope that thousands will participate in the kite-flying contest, performances, open market, etc, joining local residents during this holiday season. For details, contact Ruthie Lieberman, JaffeStrategies, 054-489-1328.