New Farm Established in Memory of Fallen IDF Officer Eitan Ben Yitzhak

A new agricultural farm, "Eitan Farm," has been established in memory of Second Lieutenant Eitan Avner Ben Yitzhak, who was killed in action in Rafah a year ago. The farm encompasses 6,000 dunams and will serve as home to six pioneering families. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the settlement's rabbi, Eliezer Melamed, the head of the Shomron Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, the head of the settlement committee, Yoni Israeli, and family and friends of the fallen officer.

Second Lieutenant Ben Yitzhak, a fighter in the Egoz unit, fell in battle in Rafah on September 18, just days before Rosh Hashanah. The dream of establishing "Eitan Farm" began during his lifetime; he had discussed the idea with friends at the site just two weeks before his death. Currently, the farm consists of mobile homes, with ongoing construction.

Eitan's father, Nachshon Ben Yitzhak, spoke at the ceremony, describing the past year as one of pain but also of shared effort, connection, and building. He stated that the settlers, along with the residents of Har Bracha, have transformed longing into action and dreams into reality, feeling Eitan's spirit guiding them. He expressed hope that the farm, starting small, will grow into a large neighborhood, embodying Eitan's spirit of faith and love for the people, Torah, and land.

Rabbi Eliezer Melamed blessed the new settlers, emphasizing the mitzvah of settling the land and noting the strength inherent in Eitan's name, which he believes is crucial for Israel. Yossi Dagan called the establishment of the farm a historic moment, connecting the fallen hero's soul to the land. He stated that the project represents life and a clear Zionist response to enemies, asserting that the area will remain in Israeli hands and become a significant part of the vision to develop Har Bracha into a major city in the heart of the Shomron. Dagan also expressed deep appreciation to Eitan's family, the pioneering families, land guardian Aharon Israeli, the settlement committee, the Amona movement, the IDF, the Civil Administration, and security forces.