Thousands March in West Bank to Reclaimed Settlements

Tens of thousands of Israelis are expected to participate in the traditional "Shomron March" on Wednesday, a major event during the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday. This year's march holds particular significance as it will traverse between the settlements of Ganim and Kadim in the northern West Bank. These communities were destroyed during Israel's 2005 disengagement from Gaza and northern Samaria but were re-established this year by pioneering families, along with a new settlement called Noa.

The event is part of a larger series of Sukkot holiday activities in the Samaria region, which have already attracted tens of thousands of visitors to local heritage and nature sites. The march will commence at 9:00 AM with a festive prayer at the new settlement of Noa, followed by the main procession from Ganim to Kadim at 11:00 AM. The route is designed to allow participants to experience the renewed settlement activity in the area.

Upon arrival at Kadim around 1:00 PM, a celebratory concert will feature singers Beni Landau and Shir David Gadsy. The entire event is secured by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with shuttle services available from a designated parking area at the Ganim junction.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan urged the public to join the demonstration of strength and presence in the area. "There is something particularly moving and powerful about marching on Sukkot from Ganim to Kadim, just a month after these settlements were re-established," Dagan stated. "These are places that were destroyed in the expulsion, and today we are returning to them with families, with children, and with Israeli flags. The people of Israel are returning to live in northern Samaria, this is the absolute victory! The dear people of Israel are voting with their feet, coming with the Israeli flag, supporting the pioneers, and experiencing this historic moment up close."

Other Sukkot events in Samaria include a "Race to a Million" game across heritage sites, special tours, an extreme park, nature hikes, jeep tours, visits to agricultural farms, wine tastings, and excursions to local springs. A large event is also planned for Thursday at Mount Ebal, featuring a vehicle tour to Joshua's altar and a scenic overlook.