Gevaot's Founding Story Recounts Arab Land Grab Attempt
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Yehuda Tor, a co-founder of the Gevaot settlement, shared its founding story as part of a heritage project. The settlement's establishment involved a split from an earlier community, a difficult search for land, and the eventual identification of land reportedly purchased by Jews 150 years prior. Tor recounted an alleged attempt by a local Arab to build on the land before settlers established their presence with army-provided tents.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yehuda Tor recounted the founding of Gevaot settlement as part of a heritage documentation project.
- The settlement's establishment followed a split from an earlier community and a search for land.
- Tor stated the land was reportedly purchased by Jews about 150 years earlier.
- A local Arab allegedly built a house on the land during the settlers' search.
- Settlers established their presence on the land using two tents provided by the army.
Yehuda Tor, a co-founder of the Gevaot settlement, has recounted the establishment of the community as part of a project by the Ministry of Heritage and the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel. The initiative aims to document the founding stories of Israeli settlements across various regions, including the Jordan Valley, Judea, Samaria, Benjamin, Golan, and Galilee.
Tor explained that the settlement's origins trace back to the Gevaot camp, where families initially resided. As the settlement grew, it split into two groups due to differing visions for its future. One faction established Givat Ze'ev, while Tor's group sought a new location for their community.
Their search for land was challenging. Initial attempts to establish a settlement near Nabi Samuel and in the area of Beit Horon were unsuccessful. Eventually, they identified land that would become Gevaot. Tor stated that records indicated these lands were purchased by Jews approximately 150 years prior through an association called "Yisrael Rama."
Further investigation was required to pinpoint the exact boundaries of the acquired land. During this process, Tor described an incident where a local Arab named Sabri, aware of the Jewish land ownership, allegedly built a house on the disputed property. After extensive research and verification of the land's ownership, Tor's group decided to proceed with establishing their settlement on these grounds.
To secure the location, the settlers received two tents from the army, which they erected on the hill to establish their presence and begin the settlement process.