New Yeshiva and Torah Scroll Inaugurated in Samaria Settlement
A new pre-military yeshiva, headed by Rabbi Chaim Baruch, has been established in the recently founded settlement of Emek Dotan in the northern Samaria region, joining 22 families already residing there. The inauguration coincided with a ceremony to bring a Torah scroll to the settlement's study hall. The event was attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, rabbis, settlement activists, and local residents.
Emek Dotan, established about a month ago, is located near the historical Emek Dotan, traditionally associated with the biblical story of Joseph searching for his brothers and the pit of Joseph. The area also holds significance from the 1967 Six-Day War, specifically the battle fought by the 45th Brigade, which inspired the song "Emek Dotan."
This marks the eighth settlement established by the Samaria Regional Council in under a year and the first in northern Samaria since the 2005 disengagement, which saw the evacuation of four settlements: Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim. The establishment of Emek Dotan aligns with a government decision led by Defense Minister Israel Katz to create 19 new settlements in northern Samaria.
Minister Ben-Gvir stated at the ceremony that new settlements are being built in areas where communities were evacuated 21 years ago, highlighting his ministry's efforts to bolster security and settlement through fire stations, volunteer security teams, and civilian armament. Yossi Dagan emphasized that the new Torah scroll and study hall symbolize a renewed Jewish presence and future in northern Samaria, directly countering the disengagement. He thanked Defense Minister Katz for his efforts and reiterated the plan to establish 19 new settlements in the region, asserting this strengthens security and ensures northern Samaria's integration into Israel's future.
Rabbi Chaim Baruch spoke of returning Torah to Emek Dotan, echoing Joseph's plea, "I am seeking my brothers," a message he deemed particularly relevant given current societal challenges.
