Shaheedim

 

 

A Hebrew plural
of an Arabic noun
takes us far,
to a sacred land:

A dream of a Palestine

 

Can justice in the rabbi’s words
defeat a gun?

 

We live in trying times!

 

Yet,
a lonely dove survives
so those who died in vain
--before their time--
may get another chance

In a world where olive trees
will never have to face
a “Caterpillar” death

 

 

May 28, 2005

 

 

 

 

Rabbi Arik Ascherman of Rabbis for Human Rights, during a visit to Montreal, used a Hebrew pluralisation (~im) of the Arabic noun “Shahid” (meaning martyr) in his talks.  It was very inspiring.