Ultra-Orthodox Families Establish New Settlements in West Bank

A growing number of ultra-Orthodox families are establishing new communities in the West Bank, seeking to maintain their religious lifestyle while also addressing housing shortages. These settlements, often located on hilltops in areas like the Benjamin region, are characterized by dispersed homes, dirt roads, and religious study centers, intentionally avoiding smartphones and social media to preserve their distinct way of life. While not a new phenomenon, with established ultra-Orthodox towns like Beitar Illit and Modi'in Illit existing for decades, these new "hilltop" communities represent a different approach, often lacking the developed infrastructure of established cities.

These new settlements are not merely about ideology; housing affordability is a significant driver. The ultra-Orthodox community is characterized by its youthfulness and large family sizes, facing increasing difficulty in affording housing in established centers like Jerusalem and Bnei Brak. The "hilltop" settlements offer a more accessible option for spacious living, though they require residents to adapt to less developed environments and the challenges of establishing essential community services like schools and synagogues from scratch.

Some of these new communities are linked to established ultra-Orthodox groups, such as the Adarath Eliyahu community, also known as the Zilberman community, which has a presence in settlements like Mitzpe Leah. This connection provides a degree of existing social and religious structure. The trend gained visibility in the summer of 2022 with the establishment of Derech Emunah near Mitzpe, though it was later evacuated. Despite such setbacks and the fact that some settlements are not officially recognized, the movement continues, with families actively building homes and establishing religious institutions.

Experts note that the success of these settlements hinges on their ability to develop the necessary communal and educational infrastructure to support families, a challenge that even proponents acknowledge. The long-term viability of these communities remains uncertain, with questions about whether they will evolve into larger, established towns like their predecessors or remain small enclaves for a select few willing to forgo urban conveniences for a different way of life. This social experiment, blending religious observance with settlement in the West Bank, is still in its early stages.