Rabbi Dov Lior Returns to Shavei Shomron Settlement 21 Years After Evacuation

Twenty-one years after the evacuation of the northern Shomron settlement of Shavei Shomron, Rabbi Dov Lior visited the site for the first time since the expulsion. Arriving by helicopter alongside Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Rabbi Lior recited the "Matziv Gvul Almah" blessing, traditionally said upon seeing a Jewish settlement rebuilt in the Land of Israel after destruction. The visit took place at the Shavei Shomron fortress, where on the day of the evacuation Rabbi Lior had torn the shirts of Dagan and other activists and instructed them to recite "Baruch Dayan HaEmet" mourning the settlement's destruction. Dagan had vowed then to do everything possible to return.

Weeks before the visit, Dagan presented Rabbi Lior with an original stone from the fortress engraved with the words "Matziv Gvul Almah" and invited him to return and bless the renewed settlement. During the visit, Rabbi Lior praised the residents as pioneers leading the way and expressed gratitude for witnessing the settlement's revival, hoping to rebuild all 19 evacuated communities and more. Dagan described the visit and blessing as a historic moment for the Jewish people and a personal closure for the families affected, affirming their commitment to continue building and strengthening northern Shomron until all uprooted settlements are fully restored.