Dancing with missiles flying overhead - Dancing in Israel

Dancing with missiles flying overhead - Dancing in Israel

A report from the WDC Secretary

A revealing event showing the determination of the typical Israeli public unwilling to cringe or cower under threat.

Hundreds of dancers of all ages converged in Ashkelon Saturday morning to take part in a national competition and championship. Organised by AIDA - Amateur Israel Dancesport Association - this is the second time we have danced under attack. The first was in Shderot a few years back when we were asked to show solidarity for the people there living under constant attack, and now today in Ashkelon.

Twice a code red alert was issued and we all went into the security areas and both times we emerged immediately and continued swirling and smiling to the music determined to continue dancing. Once we heard the thud of the missile as it landed close by and saw smoke rising.

Our bus driver sitting in the parking lot saw the missiles fly overhead. I asked how it was he hadn't left for home immediately (we all came from Arad) and he said he hadn't given it a moments thought. He simply sat and waited for us to finish the competition.

At 20.00 the vice mayor of Ashkelon arrived and begged us to vacate the premises. This was a hard decision as we were just about to begin the championships and the audience were still piling in undeterred by the attacks; they were there to see a spectacular show of music and movement, artistry and athleticism and were terribly dissapointed when we were forced to close the event.

It is hard to believe that this is happening. We are trying to bring joy and happiness to so many people both those taking part in these wonderful events and those who come to watch and see children, teenagers and adults all competing in wonderful costumes at all levels of ability. Yet we know that we are being attacked with the aim to destroy us and our society. Perhaps that is why no one wanted to stop dancing. We refuse to give in.

Patrice Perez,
International Adjudicator,
Amateur Israel Dancesport Association.

Posted On: 10-04-2011
http://www.wdcamateurleague.com/

Moshe Levy
משה לוי

I do find this posting on the WDC AL website somewhat distatesful and blatanly political. I do think the WDC AL were wrong to take sides here. They should refrain from being dragged into political disputes between nations. This is NOT dance news and truly is not WDC AL News.
It is very important to remember the suffering of the people in Palestine who are having their lands posseseed and their Human Rights denied.

Sorry Moshe. Israel is not totally innocent here. Fact is they look similar to the IDSF. We are right and the others are wrong.