New Pre-Army Yeshiva Established in Samaria Settlement

A new pre-army yeshiva, headed by Rabbi Chaim Baruch, has been established in the settlement of Emek Dotan in northern Samaria, one month after the settlement's founding. The yeshiva brings dozens of students to join the 22 pioneering families already residing in Emek Dotan. The establishment was marked by a ceremony to bring a Torah scroll to the study hall, attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan, Rabbi Baruch, other rabbis, settlement leaders, and residents.

Emek Dotan, established near the historical Emek Dotan, is a site traditionally associated with the biblical story of Joseph searching for his brothers and with a significant battle during the Six-Day War. The settlement is the eighth established by the Samaria Regional Council in less than a year, part of a significant expansion of Israeli settlements in the region. It is the first new settlement in northern Samaria since the 2005 disengagement, which saw the evacuation of four settlements: Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim.

Minister Ben-Gvir stated that establishing settlements in areas where others were evacuated demonstrates strength against terrorism and reinforces Israeli sovereignty. He highlighted the council's efforts in establishing security infrastructure and arming citizens. Yossi Dagan emphasized that the new community signifies a new future being built in northern Samaria, correcting the "injustice of the uprooting" by establishing new communities and institutions. He reiterated plans to establish 19 new settlements in the area to strengthen security and ensure its integration into Israel's future.

Rabbi Chaim Baruch expressed the intention to bring Torah study back to Emek Dotan, linking it to Joseph's biblical plea, "I am looking for my brothers," a message he deemed particularly relevant during current societal challenges.