Hundreds Celebrate Synagogue Opening in Homesh 21 Years After Disengagement

Hundreds of people gathered in the northern Samaria community of Homesh on Wednesday evening to celebrate the dedication of a synagogue and the bringing of a Torah scroll, 21 years after the Israeli disengagement from the area. The event, which lasted late into the night, included a central rally and a performance by artist Beni Landau.

Among the attendees were prominent figures such as the head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, and Knesset Member Limor Son Har Melech. Families of fallen soldiers and terror victims, including parents of Yehuda Dimantman, Shuli Har Melech, and Idudi Zoldan, were also present, alongside rabbis, former residents, activists from "Homesh First," and graduates of the Homesh yeshiva.

During the ceremony, a canopy made from the tallit of Yitzhak Zeiger, who was killed in a shooting attack in 2024 and was a supporter of Homesh, was unfurled over the Torah scroll. The Samaria Regional Council head and the head of the Homesh yeshiva presented certificates to pioneers who helped establish Homesh before and after its evacuation.

Knesset Member Son Har Melech stated, "Today it can be clearly said - the people of Israel have returned home." Yossi Dagan declared, "The disengagement from northern Samaria is dead, the people of Israel live!" He emphasized that the rebuilding of northern Samaria represents an idea and a return to Zionism, expressing hope for future settlements and full sovereignty.

Minister Orit Strock, in a video message, thanked the residents for their perseverance and faith, stating that the entire nation of Israel is now behind them and returning to places that were previously abandoned. Minister Ze'ev Elkin described the return to Homesh as a national act of repentance for the "terrible injustice" of the disengagement, promising further settlement expansion.

Beni Gal, a leader of "Homesh First," concluded by reflecting on over 21 years of struggle and unwavering commitment to the dream of returning to Homesh, highlighting the faith and courage that led to this moment.