It has been few days now, since “All for Peace Radio” was ordered to turn off his transmitters.  Just like that. The Commissars commanded and the police executed. A call is presented to the supreme high court. Our hope is that the judges of Jerusalem will justify their brave reputation, as the defenders of freedoms, as an obstacle against repression.  We hope that the Supreme Court will remind the state this:  the freedom of expression, and all civilian rights, is not to be taken on and off as clothing, as if when the regime wishes he grants us with them or not. This is a fundamental character of the Israeli statehood. We shall not allow the state to neglect it.

Mocked us had he, the Lord of History. Now, came the turn of the Jews to present the world a Judeo-Nationalist, extremist, fascist in nature regime. This is the situation, and with that we have to deal. You know well, as I do, that this act is but one link in a dark chain of abusive governmental deeds. Their damage is severe and for long term. By justice it is, that critic shall be heard. By justice it is that free and open public discussion will be held, in a serious spirit of commitment to the common interest. The regime is not pleased with our critic. Many Israelis support his notion. Our voice, in their eyes, has no legitimacy to be heard.

Many Israelis feel that the legitimate and responsible viewpoints they support cannot be heard in the public sphere.  Those people found their voice in “All for peace Radio”. This station stands for civilian courage and a noble vision of coexistence. If there is a future for this country, it is that kind of organizations who holds for him now the flickering candle flame of hope. This I have seen in my own eyes. Such is my testimony.

We live in dark times. The hour is late, late indeed. We did not ask for this battle, but we shall not retreat from it.

I would like to point a pattern in our actions. We are mostly on the defense. If there is a provocation in the field, by lunatic youth militias, if injustice rises, by the government or the plutocrats, than we protest, usually not loud enough. Otherwise we just complain or do nothing but sink deeper into despair.  Our main strategy is defense.

Many people are frustrated and confused. What can be done against all of this? Well, the first thing is to internalize the rules of the game, and then, to act in any means we are able to. We do not have the privilege of standing aside. We owe it to our parents and to our children. What can be done? To each his place and field. There are many civilian organizations, professional and social forums, local or cyber-based initiatives. I invite each and every one here to enter web-sites such as the “Shatil” network, the NGO’s peace forum, the inter-religious coordinating council, the Sulha Peace Project and many more. (Obviously, also the “All for Peace Radio” that yet, still, broadcast in the internet). Hear what goes on. Learn. Get updated.  One may find an initiative with a call for him; another may get an idea for an independent activity. Do it now.  Create varied collaborations. Produce projects. Corporate for action in any way you can.

In front of the sword of extremeness, hate and violence, we shall bring forth a firm shield of unite civil society, Determinate, our mind set to act for a future of reconciliation in the Middle Eastern community, for the wellbeing of every single inhibitor of it.

We are now being persecuted for our faith. It is for us a honorary award. The Jewish tradition teaches us to rise against injustice and to rebel against tyranny. From Moses confronting Pharaoh to Elijah charging King Ahab. From the torch of Modi’in, set in fire by the Maccabaeus, to Rabbi Shimon Ben Shatah, opposing king Yanai. Modern times also provides many examples for it, such as Rabbi Leo Back, the tragic leader of German Jews, standing against Adolf Eichmann, in an amazing example of human virtues. Feinstein and Barazani, scarifying themselves in prison, sanctifying the name of freedom. Is our blood more flushed than theirs?

May each and every one fulfill his duty; it is now the time for alertness and joint activity. Civilian solidarity is to be demonstrated.  That refers to all sectors. It is to be expressed in the inner-Jewish conversation, the inner-Palestinian conversation and in the mutual one.  Those three realms hold a decisive meaning. In every frame one chooses to act, must he raise clear and loud voice for the sanctity of life, The values of “In God’s image”, “Ways of peace” and “Human dignity” are to be spread.

May each and every one act from his place, as much as he is able. We are not few. The struggle has not yet lost. No one has the liberty to desert from it.