Young Women Lead Revival of Hilltop Settlements in West Bank Amid Security and Social Challenges
A group of young women aged 16 to 21 are spearheading a unique settlement initiative at the "Or Ahoviya" hilltop in the Benjamin region of the West Bank, near the settlement of Ofra. Established in memory of the late youth Ahoviya Sandak, the community was founded by a core group of girls including Sandak's sister and fiancée. Today, the hilltop hosts three families with plans to expand further. The women have chosen a lifestyle that minimizes digital technology use, dedicating themselves to a close connection with the land and traditional pioneering values.
The settlement experiences unusual weather conditions, including a rare summer storm with strong winds. The community maintains a "computer room" with limited technology access, avoiding internet use and relying on basic mobile functions. Nearby, they constructed the Suval lookout in memory of a fallen soldier, featuring rustic amenities despite challenging terrain.
Security concerns are addressed through ongoing coordination with the Israeli military, and the women report that two nearby Bedouin outposts were abandoned within two years of the hilltop's establishment, attributing this to a clear assertion of ownership. Water is supplied from local vineyards to a water tower built by the settlers, which once collapsed causing minor damage.
The community also restored the "Erez Spring" in memory of a local victim of terrorism, adding recreational features such as a deck and hammock overlooking the adjacent Arab village of Ramon. The settlers live partly in Area B, contrary to Oslo Accords restrictions, aiming to challenge and ultimately abolish the division of the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C.
The young women receive mixed reactions from their families, with some initially opposing their decision but eventually supporting their commitment to the ideal of a united Land of Israel. Access to the hilltop is difficult, involving travel on rough roads, but visitors find the experience inspiring, reflecting themes of Zionism and pioneering spirit.
