Rabbi Dov Lior Visits Rebuilt Sha-Nur Settlement 21 Years After Disengagement

In a historic and emotional event in northern Samaria, Rabbi Dov Lior, a senior figure in Religious Zionism, visited the Sha-Nur settlement on Tuesday, 21 years after its evacuation and destruction during Israel's disengagement. Due to his ongoing health recovery, Rabbi Lior arrived by helicopter for his first symbolic visit since the evacuation. Upon arrival at the Sha-Nur fortress, he recited the traditional blessing "Matziv Gvul Almanah," said upon seeing a Jewish settlement rebuilt in the Land of Israel after destruction.

This visit fulfilled a vow made during the traumatic evacuation. On the day of the expulsion, Rabbi Lior tore the shirt of Yossi Dagan and other leaders of the resistance and instructed them to say "Baruch Dayan HaEmet" (Blessed is the True Judge). Shortly after, Dagan vowed on the fortress roof that they would do everything to return. Weeks before the current visit, Dagan gave Rabbi Lior an original stone from the Sha-Nur fortress engraved with the blessing and invited him to return and bless the renewed settlement.

Rabbi Lior encouraged the residents and workers, calling them pioneers and examples of faith who reclaimed and rebuilt the land. He expressed gratitude for witnessing the flourishing of the site and hoped to see all 19 evacuated settlements rebuilt, which he said would ensure true peace and security.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, emotionally recalled the vow made 21 years ago and emphasized the plan to increase the Jewish population in northern Samaria thirtyfold. He described Rabbi Lior's blessing as a historic moment for the entire Jewish people and pledged to continue building and strengthening all northern Samaria settlements until full return to all uprooted communities is achieved.