Dr. Hanna Katan Reflects on Gush Katif Expulsion, Emphasizes Hope and Jewish Presence in Israel

Dr. Hanna Katan shares her personal reflections ahead of the anniversary of the expulsion from Gush Katif, recalling the profound loss of her home and the enduring hope for renewal. She describes Gush Katif as more than a home; it was a vibrant community rooted in faith and mission, embodying a deep belief in the significance of Jewish presence in the Land of Israel and the role of settlement in building and protecting the country.

Katan highlights the unresolved questions following the expulsion, including the cost of uprooting, the meaning of holding onto the land, and the state's responsibility to protect its citizens. She connects these issues to the public discourse revived after the October mourning period, emphasizing that security involves not only technology and fences but also presence, responsibility, and belonging.

Referencing her book "Losses in the Sand," written after the expulsion, Katan explains it emerged from personal grief but also from a strong belief that individuals, communities, and the nation can grow and learn from crises. She concludes with a message of resilience and return: "We will return there, we will return again."