Shekler the Settler

Written and illustrated by Eshed Schwero and Sivan Lavie

Shekler opens the window, and looks out at the view. what a beautiful morning! The birds are chirping, the sky is clear! All Shekler sees is desert, fields and hills, that to him are so dear. He must cultivate them, its his Mitzvah, nows the time! This is Zionism in its prime!

Shekler leaves his house for yet another work day. How fun and settling that police, soldiers and protection surround him all the way. This is a great land! All is organised and secure! He gets on a subsidised bus to the city of stone, How worthwhile it is to live in Herbon!

The land of milk and honey isnt easily maintained, which is why Sheklers company buys accommodation, to support the growing Jewish population. They found a new house today in Silwan, beautiful from ceiling to floor! Its good luck the old tenants left by choice, and didnt even bother locking the door. They left with such glee, they even gave us all their belongings for free.

Its time for lunch in East Jerusalem. Humous, warm chick peas, soft pitta bread straight from the pan, Thank god theyre here- otherwise wed still be eating Gefilte fish from a can! Coincidentally I ran into Nasser, whos helping me build another floor for my old father. I do pay him much less, but hes only helping me install tiles, nonetheless.

Shalom to Jean and Michael Cleavers, a pair of believers, who made Aliyah straight from Toronto, Canada. Their faith is so driven that living in Silwan for them is a given. I introduced them to the amazing vicinity; they were highly impressed by the exotic scenery. I hope they can move in straight away with the kids, The keys are already in the door, food still warm on the table and slippers still found on the floor.

The lovely couple has eight children. They reproduce outstandingly for the growth of the nation, and are already expecting the next generation. They will give everything to rebuild the temple of the holy land, Together with their people they stand. Sticks and stones wont break their bones, Beliefs are not broken in a day, forever in the mind they stay.

From the new mansion shots can be heard, As well as commands and screams, Other slurred and spurred words. The two remember the poor soldiers outside, Who by these conditions must abide. The main thing, however, Is that the Jews can safely reside.

Shekler comes home to rest; after a packed day of work he needs plenty of sleep and food, Especially after the neighbour spoiled his good mood. An article appears in the paper, Stop supporting Settlements with Israels every last pence!, Shekler doesnt like reading such nonsense. The Left complain and do not realise That most of the nation is on Sheklers side: Him and his peers, are not leeches but a new type of pioneers! Transforming the barren earth into neighbourhood after neighbourhood after county, Just like in the establishment of the country. Isnt it clear that either in our homeland we stay, Or Its back to the ovens, To decay. Across the diaspora and around the globe we unfittingly stand, The Jews belong only to our fatherland! Jerusalem is holy only in Jewish eyes, Dont believe the Muslim lies.

Shekler is finally satisfied. The government is at his right, and its ministers are afraid he might fight. Shekler knows hes in a good position, because the executives need him in order to keep their coalition.

Shekler goes to bed satisfied and calm, Which is not suprising, as security surrounds him. Shekler is a talented artist, painting in light shades a dark reality, One in which his countrys future is imminent expiry. Good night Shekler, we all hope you wake up from your dream and help us create a sane space, Which has room for more than just one race.