Former Kfar Darom Resident Calls for Re-establishing Jewish Settlements in Gaza
Rabbi Dror Aryeh, a former resident of the Gaza Strip settlement of Kfar Darom, argues that the Jewish people must re-establish settlements in the Gaza Strip as a response to the October 7th massacre. In an article reflecting on the history of Kfar Darom, Aryeh frames the settlement as a symbol of Jewish heroism and redemption.
Founded as part of the "11 Points" initiative in the Negev, Kfar Darom was strategically located in the heart of the Gaza Strip. Aryeh recounts its early days as a religious settlement established by pioneers and Torah scholars in a challenging desert environment. He highlights its role in the War of Independence, where the settlement withstood an attack by the Egyptian army despite being under siege and lacking supplies, before a tactical withdrawal.
Following the Six-Day War, a Nahal settlement group re-established Kfar Darom, which developed into a thriving community. The settlement became known for its agricultural innovation, particularly in developing worm-free leafy vegetables, which Aryeh describes as a national and halachic contribution to the Jewish world. Despite facing severe security challenges, including numerous attacks and casualties, the residents maintained their faith and commitment.
Aryeh criticizes the Oslo Accords era, during which threats escalated with rockets, explosives, and daily warnings of infiltrations. He asserts that the residents' unwavering spirit, rooted in faith and a sense of redemption, allowed them to persevere. Even after the disengagement from Gaza in 2005, the community's creative spirit led to the establishment of new settlements and educational initiatives.
The October 7th attacks, Aryeh contends, exposed the flaws in Israel's security concept and the consequences of the disengagement, which he views as a detachment not only from land but also from core Jewish values. He concludes that technological defenses are insufficient against terrorism and that only a strong, sovereign Jewish presence on the land can ensure true security, calling for a national return to settling Gaza.
