Homesh Celebrates Return and Reconstruction 21 Years After Disengagement

Hundreds of people gathered in the renewed settlement of Homesh on Wednesday evening to mark 21 years since the Israeli disengagement from Gaza and northern Samaria, and to celebrate the return and rebuilding of the settlement. The event featured the dedication of a synagogue named after Rabbi Kook and the bringing of a Torah scroll into the synagogue. A central rally and a performance by artist Beni Landau were also part of the festivities.

Attendees included current residents of Homesh, activists from the "Homesh First" movement, rabbis and students from the Homesh yeshiva, families from new settlements in northern Samaria, government ministers, and the general public. Prominent rabbis such as Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Rabbi David Dodedkevitch of Yitzhar, and Rabbi Aharon Cohen of Yakir were expected to participate.

The event began at 5:00 PM with the gathering and writing of the final letters in the Torah scroll, followed by a procession at 5:30 PM. The synagogue dedication and central rally commenced at 6:30 PM.

In the past year, 16 new families have moved to Homesh, bringing the total number of families to approximately 30, residing in two neighborhoods. These new residents include families who were previously expelled from Homesh and have returned, alongside young couples. The settlement is experiencing a resurgence, with families arriving from across Judea and Samaria.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, himself a former resident expelled from Homesh, stated, "After 21 years of pain, struggle, faith, and effort, we stand here and see life in a place where they tried to leave destruction." He emphasized that "the synagogue is returning, the joy of bringing a Torah scroll, families building their homes, and children growing up here. This is a great victory, a victory of faith, of perseverance of those who did not give up on their home and on the people of Israel." Dagan added that this is just the beginning of building and flourishing in northern Samaria.

Benny Gal, a former Homesh resident and leader of the "Homesh First" movement, described the day as one of "great joy and thanks to God." He reflected on over 21 years of struggle and perseverance to bring the Jewish people home, crediting faith, courage, and love of the land for reaching this moment. Gal stated that the foundation stone of the builders has become the cornerstone, leading to the establishment of Homesh and other settlements in northern Samaria.