New Farm Established in Memory of Fallen Officer Eitan Ben Yitzhak

A new agricultural farm, "Eitan Farm," has been inaugurated a year after the death of Lieutenant Eitan Avner Ben Yitzhak, who fell in battle in Rafah. The farm, spanning 6,000 dunams, is intended to preserve land for the settlement and will house six pioneering families.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, head of the Shomron Regional Council Yossi Dagan, head of the settlement committee Yoni Israeli, and other local officials, as well as the families of Eitan and the new residents.

"Eitan Farm" was established to commemorate Lieutenant Eitan Ben Yitzhak, a fighter in the Egoz unit, who was killed in combat in Rafah on September 18, shortly before Rosh Hashanah. The farm's establishment was a dream that began during Eitan's lifetime; just two weeks before his death, he visited the site with friends and advocated for its creation.

Eitan's father, Nachshon Ben Yitzhak, spoke at the ceremony, describing the past year as one of pain but also of shared action, connection, and building. He expressed gratitude to the residents of Bracha settlement for their support in turning grief into action and a dream into reality. He stated that Eitan's spirit guides them as they move forward to settle and build, despite the difficulties.

Rabbi Eliezer Melamed blessed the new settlers, emphasizing that their presence is a great mitzvah and that the farm's name, "Eitan" (meaning strong), reflects the strength needed in Israel. Yossi Dagan called the establishment of the farm a clear Zionist response to enemies, asserting that the land will remain in Israeli hands and become a significant part of the vision to transform Har Bracha into a large city in the heart of the Shomron. He also extended special greetings to the first pioneering families and to Aharon Israeli, who was among those who dreamed of the farm and now guards the land.