Thousands Gather in Samaria for Return to Evacuated Settlements

Thousands of Israelis from across the country are converging in northern Samaria for the "March of Samaria," an event marking the Sukkot holiday. A festive Hallel prayer service is underway in the new settlement of Noa, kicking off the holiday activities in the region. The march is scheduled to depart at 11:00 AM from Ganim to Kadim, two settlements that were destroyed as part of the 2005 disengagement plan and have been re-established this year.

The march is expected to draw thousands of families, along with government ministers, Knesset members, rabbis, and public figures. Participants are anticipated to reach Kadim around 1:00 PM, where a celebratory rally will be held, followed by a performance by singer Binyamin Landau, who will host Shai David Gadsi.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, stated that the large turnout demonstrates the Israeli people's commitment to northern Samaria. "The return to Ganim and Kadim is the story of an entire nation reconnecting with a region from which we were uprooted," Dagan said. He added, "We are together correcting a historical injustice and building a future here. The people of Israel are with us, and today we see it with our own eyes, the people of Israel are alive and returning to themselves."

The IDF is providing security for the march and the route. Parking has been arranged at the Ganim Junction, with shuttle services operating for participants. Access to the area is via the Gilboa checkpoint.