Dozens of Doves Over the Sky of Jerusalem for Pollard
Yoni Kempinski - Arutz7 - January 16, 2011
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(Israelnationalnews.com) Dozens of doves were released on the roof of Beit Yonatan in Jerusalem's Shiloach (Silwan) neighborhood last week as an act of solidarity with Jonathan Pollard, who has been imprisoned in the U.S. for 25 years, IDF soldier Gilad Shalit who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in June 2006, and the residents of Beit Yonatan themselves -- who are fighting against the attempts to seal and demolish the building which was built on land purchased by Jews in the heart of the now Arab-populated neighborhood.
The release of the doves was part of the international sport of pigeon racing, in which the doves are released and return to their designated location.
"We decided to open the competition season especially in Jerusalem, from Beit Yonatan" explained Uri Rozner, chairman of the Israeli Pigeon Racing Club "just as these doves return home so we pray to see all our MIAs and captives return home soon."
Likud MK Miri Regev participated in the event and held the first dove which flew to it's destination "It was very moving" said Regev "it was the first time I took part in this kind of activity. It's festive, and also symbolizes freedom, movement, and natural flowing - just like the animals, humans also need to return to their homes." %ad%
Matti Dan, who heads the "Ateret Kohanim" organization which brings Jewish families into places like Beit Yonatan quoted the the phrase from the book of Yishayahu (Isaiah): 'Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their cotes.' "You see families who live in such a difficult place and you understand what the prophet is referring to." stated Dan "The Nation of Israel is returning home like doves. We don't understand how the dove knows exactly how to return, but it returns, and so here too the soul brings us home; when the soul shines the skies are enlightened."
The doves were released freely with no need for any special security arrangements, while the reporters and participants of the event came in armored vehicles. This situation, in the heart of Jerusalem, gives a bad feeling to Knesset Member Regev. "Arabs can walk around freely in every place in the country with no protection and this is how it should be for Jews as well" said Regev " We want to live peacefully, Jews and Arabs together. As a state we have to promote equality, but at the same time remember that this is a Jewish State and Jerusalem is the Jewish capital."