New Pre-Military Academy Opens in Samaria Settlement

A new pre-military academy, led by Rabbi Chaim Baruch, has opened in the recently established settlement of Emek Dotan in northern Samaria, marking one month since the settlement's founding. The academy joins the 22 families already residing in Emek Dotan.

The inauguration ceremony included the dedication of a Torah scroll for the academy's study hall and was attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. Ben-Gvir stated, "We will continue to settle everywhere," emphasizing that Israel is responding to terrorism with "strength, settlement, and governance." He highlighted the government's actions, including establishing fire stations, equipping reserve units, and arming citizens, adding, "The Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel, and in the Land of Israel, we are the homeowners."

Dagan remarked, "Where they tried to uproot us 21 years ago, we are not just returning, we are building a new future here." He referenced the historical and biblical significance of the Emek Dotan area, noting its connection to the biblical story of Joseph and the Six-Day War battle. Emek Dotan is the eighth settlement established by the Samaria Regional Council in under a year and the first in northern Samaria, part of a plan to establish 19 new settlements in the region.

The settlement's establishment follows a decision by the Israeli cabinet and is part of the council's "Connection Plan" aimed at strengthening security and rectifying the "injustice of uprooting" settlements. Rabbi Baruch expressed the academy's mission to bring Torah back to Emek Dotan, echoing the biblical call of Joseph seeking his brothers.