Over 10,000 March in Samaria to Rebuilt Gaza Evacuee Settlements

More than 10,000 Israelis participated in the annual "March of Samaria" on Thursday, walking from the settlement of Ganim to Kadim, two communities that were destroyed as part of the 2005 disengagement from Gaza and were re-established this year. The march, a traditional Sukkot holiday event, saw participants from across the country.

The day's events began with a prayer service in the new settlement of Noa. The marchers then proceeded through northern Samaria, passing through the re-established communities. Participants included families and individuals, with the marchers traversing the area approximately one month after families returned to the sites where settlements existed before the disengagement.

A festive rally is scheduled to take place in Kadim upon the marchers' arrival, featuring speeches from government ministers, Knesset members, rabbis, and public figures. Following the rally, a performance by singer Beni Landau, who will host Shir David Gadsi, is planned.

Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan stated, "The return to Ganim and Kadim is just the beginning. Twenty-one years ago, communities were uprooted from here, and today we are looking forward. Our vision is to rebuild northern Samaria as a living, flourishing, and prosperous region, with thousands of families, strong communities, educational institutions, employment, and infrastructure." He added, "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. Designated parking is available at the Ganim junction, with shuttle services provided for participants. Access to the march area is via the Gilboa crossing.