Thousands March in Samaria to Re-established Settlements

Thousands of hikers and families from across Israel are participating in the traditional "March of Samaria" during the Sukkot holiday. The march, which began Wednesday, is proceeding from Ganim to Kadim, settlements that were evacuated as part of the 2005 disengagement plan and have been re-established this year. The day's events commenced with a festive Hallel prayer at the new settlement of Noa. Following the prayer, the large-scale march departed from Ganim towards Kadim. The participants are currently traversing the heart of northern Samaria, passing through the newly re-established communities, approximately one month after families returned to these locations, which were previously inhabited before the disengagement.

Upon the marchers' arrival in Kadim later in the day, a celebratory rally is scheduled to take place. This event will feature speeches from government ministers, Knesset members, rabbis, and public figures. Following the rally, singer Bini Landau is set to perform, joined by singer Shir David Givati.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan stated, "The return to Ganim and Kadim is just the beginning. Twenty-one years ago, settlements were uprooted from here, and today we are looking forward. Our vision is to rebuild northern Samaria as a vibrant and flourishing region, with thousands of families, strong communities, educational institutions, employment, and infrastructure. The thousands marching here today prove that this vision is not just for the residents of Samaria. The Israeli public has not given up on northern Samaria and is a partner in its return. We are returning to stay, to build, and to grow a new generation here. We are winning! The people of Israel are celebrating settlement en masse."

The march and its route are fully secured by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Designated parking has been prepared at the Ganim junction, with shuttle services operating for participants' convenience. Access to the march area is via the Gilboa checkpoint.