'If you run from terror, it will come after you'

NEVE DEKALIM - Whether or not it was the last day in the settlement they have lived in for 22 years, Moti and Rachel Slater knew the end was imminent. They did not, as so many have, talk of the "miracle" that could stop it from happening.

But by the time the deadline passed, and in sharp contrast to growing numbers of their neighbours, the defiant couple had deliberately not packed a single suitcase.

As two of his children watched television in apparent unconcern that the Army could arrive at any time from today, Moti Slater, 46, said: "No we are not packing up. We want to stay here. We don't think it's good for Israel. If they want to take us out, then that's what they'll have to do."

What about the threat they would lose a third of their compensation by staying beyond the deadline?

"I have heard about this but there are things that are worth more than money. This is important."

Moti's daughter Tirza, 14, was peeling potatoes for the afternoon meal after which they went to a communal ceremony to pray with other Neve Dekalim residents.

The family was, said Moti, simply "passing the time". The whole family had discussed what to do. "We told the children they could go if they wanted but they all wanted to stay."

Tirza added: "It's important to be here. I don't want to leave when others are fighting to stay. It's hard to leave and, anyway, I don't want to be separated from my parents."

The Slaters have sent out only documents and the winter clothes they won't be needing until October.

Moti said he had few personal feelings. "This is not really our problem. It is a problem for the whole nation. There is nowhere in the world that would give the land to its enemies. If you run away from terror, it will come after you."

- INDEPENDENT