New Israeli Settlement 'Shalem' Inaugurated in Samaria

The new Israeli settlement of "Shalem" was officially established near Alon Moreh in the Samaria region, marking the inauguration of a new community in the area after decades. The ceremony was attended by rabbis, public figures, founding families, and a large crowd. Yossi Dagan, Head of the Samaria Regional Council, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are here in the name of this generation and in the name of future generations. There will be a million residents in Samaria."

The establishment of Shalem, which began with 12 founding families, is part of the Samaria Regional Council's "Connection Program." This initiative, in partnership with the Amana movement and the Settlement Division, aims to establish 19 new settlements in northern Samaria. The move follows a government decision led by Ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich, and aligns with the council's strategic "Million in Samaria" plan.

Dagan highlighted the rapid pace of settlement expansion, noting that nine new settlements have been established in Samaria in less than a year. He stated, "This is our answer to the expulsion and our path to victory: another settlement, another family, and another home in the Land of Israel. The 'Million in Samaria' plan is becoming a reality before our eyes."

Rabbi Eliyakin Levanon, Rabbi of Samaria, spoke about the contrast between past demolitions and current construction, while Rabbi Moshe Asman, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, expressed his joy at being present, calling the residents "righteous and heroic people."

MK Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Constitution Committee, also addressed the ceremony, emphasizing the growth and expansion of settlements. The establishment of Shalem follows the re-establishment of four settlements, Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim, and Kadim, in northern Samaria, which were evacuated in 2005. This strategic move is intended to rectify the historical injustice of the 2005 evacuation of settlements in northern Samaria.