Jews Celebrate Sukkot in Re-established Samaria Settlements After 21 Years

Thousands of Jews are celebrating the Sukkot holiday in the northern Samaria settlements of Ganim and Kadim, which were re-established after being evacuated 21 years ago. This marks the first time in over two decades that holiday gatherings are taking place in these communities, with residents hosting guests and erecting traditional sukkot next to their temporary caravan homes.

The settlements of Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim were evacuated in 2005 as part of a government decision that deeply affected residents. Families have now returned to rebuild their former homes, with Ganim officially seeing life return just two months ago. The return coincides with the Sukkot preparations, creating a festive atmosphere as visitors from across Israel arrive to celebrate.

Residents describe a profound sense of homecoming and community spirit, emphasizing mutual support in overcoming the challenges of rebuilding. The holiday's themes of temporary dwellings, gratitude, and faith resonate with their current situation, as they live in caravans while planning for permanent housing.

Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council, expressed optimism about the settlements' future, stating, "Now we have caravans. In a year or two, with God's help, we will be building apartments and buildings here, a large city in northern Samaria." Residents are looking forward to constructing permanent homes within the next one to two years, envisioning the settlements growing into a significant urban center with modern infrastructure.