4/25/2007

We had no school Wednesday because it was Sinai's Liberation Day. Most families used it as an opportunity to make a long weekend. We (elementary) were missing 10% of our student population.

Mike, Cathy and I went to Katameya to play golf. This is the first time I have played 9 holes without it being a scramble, also first time to Katameya and did not lounge by the pool and read a book. I even kept score. The back 9 holes was a par 35, I will not tell you my score but it was less than double par. Cathy was nice enough to max some holes at 10 swings for me too. I had a blast and will definitely play again. Who knows I might become a golfer when Mike goes back to work and I get to be “Cabana Girl”

So here is so basic info about why we had the day off.

This is the day to celebrate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Sinai Peninsula.

Time Line of Events

June, 1967 – Israel defends itself against attacking Arab nations and acquires territory in the Sinai Peninsula, West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights during the Six Day War.

1968 – Israelis begin settling in the Sinai Peninsula and the city of Yamit is established.

March 26, 1979 – Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty signed by Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat. Israel agrees to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula for the sake of peace.

1979-1982 – Israel dismantles numerous military bases, oil fields, outposts, and settlements in the Sinai Peninsula.

April 19, 1982 – 3,000 Israeli settlers in Yamit resist the evacuation and barricade themselves inside their homes.

April 21, 1982 – Israeli settlers clash violently with IDF soldiers in Yamit.

April 25, 1982 – Israeli soldiers, under the command of Ariel Sharon forcibly remove settlers from their homes and out of the Sinai Peninsula. The Israeli Government razes the city of Yamit to ensure that the settlers would not return to the area.

April 26, 1982 – Present – Israel is completely withdrawn from the Sinai Peninsula. Israel and Egypt are at peace.

August, 2005 – Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip.

Sinai Peninsula Facts

1. 61,000 sq km (23,000 sq mi)
2. Represents 90% of territory acquired by Israel during the 1967 war.

3. Home to about 7,000 Israeli settlers from 1968-1982.
4. Native population consists primarily of Bedouins.
5. Contains the Alma oil field, which Israel discovered and developed, valued over $100 billion.

The Sinai was the place in which Moses had spoken to God from Mount El-Tour. This holy land, in addition, had witnessed the Youssef's cross to Egypt, and the passing of the sacred family while in the Coptic time.