Rabbi Dov Lior Blesses Reestablished Shavei Shomron Settlement 21 Years After Evacuation

Twenty-one years after the evacuation of northern Shomron settlements, Rabbi Dov Lior visited Shavei Shomron for the first time since the expulsion. Arriving by helicopter due to his recovery from illness, Rabbi Lior blessed the community with the traditional phrase "Matziv Gvul Almah," recited upon seeing a Jewish settlement rebuilt in Israel after destruction.

The visit marked a symbolic closure for Rabbi Lior, who during the evacuation day had torn the shirts of Yossi Dagan and other activists atop the settlement fortress and instructed them to recite "Baruch Dayan HaEmet" mourning the destruction. Following that event, Dagan vowed, "As long as we breathe, we will do everything to return here," to which those present responded, "Amen."

Weeks before the visit, Yossi Dagan presented Rabbi Lior with an original stone from the Shavei Shomron fortress engraved with the words "Matziv Gvul Almah," inviting him to come bless the renewed settlement. Rabbi Lior praised the residents as pioneers leading the way and expressed gratitude for witnessing the community's revival and flourishing.

Dagan reiterated the ongoing struggle to restore all Jewish communities uprooted from northern Shomron, emphasizing the commitment to return and rebuild the area.

The event symbolizes resilience and determination to reclaim and develop Jewish settlements in the region despite past evacuations.