Widow of Rabbi Raziel Shavach Loses Home in Massive West Bank Fire Destroying 13 Houses

Yael Shavach, widow of Rabbi Raziel Shavach who was killed in a 2018 attack near the West Bank settlement of Havat Gilad, revealed that her home was completely destroyed in a large fire that swept through the settlement. She was in Kfar Saba with her children when a friend informed her that the house had burned down entirely. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and extreme heat, prompting the evacuation of families just as the flames began. Shavach described the event as cruel and violent, emphasizing that nothing remains of her home or her late husband's belongings, including his books and religious items.

Shavach expressed gratitude for the immediate community support and donations, noting the generosity and concern from others offering housing and aid. She suspects the fire was deliberately set, calling it a nationalist incident, especially since celebrations and fireworks were reported in nearby villages shortly after the fire started. Currently, the settlement lacks water and electricity, with 13 homes destroyed and the entire community evacuated. She voiced concern about the difficulty of receiving state assistance since the settlement has not yet received official recognition and most families are uninsured.

Despite the devastation, Shavach affirmed her commitment to rebuilding Havat Gilad and starting anew, drawing on her community's resilience. She mourned the loss of irreplaceable personal and family items, including paintings of her husband by her mother. The fire, which began near the Mitzpe Yishai neighborhood in Kedumim, involved 41 firefighting teams, 10 firefighting planes, police helicopters, and military support. Two firefighters were lightly injured. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have started from a discarded cigarette, but arson is also being examined by a special investigation team.