Samaria Council Unveils Major Strategic Development Project in Kedumim Settlement
The Kedumim local council marked the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the Nofei Gideon neighborhood, formerly known as Har Kidon, with a celebratory event attended by council head Uzal Vatik, community leaders, and residents. The neighborhood is named after the late Gideon Perry, who was murdered near the nearby Bar-On industrial zone. The event highlighted the rapid construction progress and the integration of new families into the community.
Council head Uzal Vatik revealed a comprehensive development plan aimed at connecting all neighborhoods within Kedumim and expanding into the nearby Jabal Aqra area. He emphasized that the ascent to Har Kidon has significantly bolstered security by halting attempts by residents of the adjacent Arab village of Qadum to encroach on Kedumim neighborhoods. The council has invested hundreds of thousands of shekels in advanced security infrastructure, including surveillance cameras, radars, and fortified shelters.
Vatik also announced the launch of a strategic infrastructure project called the "Western Road," a new road that will encircle Kedumim from the west and link all western neighborhoods directly, from HaRishonim and Kerem HaLevi through Mitzpe Kedumim and Har Hemed to Nofei Gideon. Additionally, the council plans to expand into Jabal Aqra to create a clear buffer zone between the Arab village of Qadum and the Jewish settlement. The development will include a long, prominent street as part of the neighborhood's fourth phase.
Community leaders, including Daniela Weiss and Rabbi Zvi Farbstein, praised the pioneering spirit and faith driving the settlement's growth. Weiss recounted her initial skepticism about the project but ultimately joined the effort after witnessing Vatik's determination. Rabbi Farbstein highlighted the residents' belief in the prophetic vision as motivation for their work. Vatik concluded by thanking all partners and families involved and reaffirmed the council's commitment to continue developing Kedumim and the broader Samaria region as part of their historic duty to settle the land of Israel.
