Rabbi Dov Lior Returns to Shavei Shomron Settlement Site, Blesses Rebuilding Effort

Twenty-one years after the evacuation of northern Samaria settlements, Rabbi Dov Lior visited Shavei Shomron for the first time since the evacuation. Recovering from illness, he arrived by helicopter and recited the "Matziv Gvul Almah" blessing, traditionally said over a Jewish settlement rebuilt after destruction. The visit holds deep symbolic meaning, as Rabbi Lior had stood on Shavei Shomron's fortress roof during the evacuation, tearing the shirts of Yossi Dagan and others and instructing them to say "Baruch Dayan HaEmet" to mourn the destruction. At that moment, Dagan vowed to return, and attendees responded "Amen."

Weeks before the visit, Dagan presented Rabbi Lior with an original stone from Shavei Shomron engraved with the blessing's words, inviting him to return and bless the renewed settlement. During the visit, Rabbi Lior encouraged the settlers, calling them pioneers and examples of faith who would restore the land. He expressed gratitude for witnessing the settlement's revival and hoped for the rebuilding of all 19 evacuated communities, linking this to true peace and security.

Yossi Dagan recalled the vow made on the fortress roof and emphasized the goal to increase the Jewish population in northern Samaria thirtyfold. He described the rabbi's blessing as a historic moment and a personal closure for families affected by the evacuation. Dagan pledged to continue building and revitalizing northern Samaria until all uprooted settlements are fully restored.