Chief Rabbi David Yosef Calls for Jewish Return to Gaza Amid Historic Synagogue Destruction

Chief Rabbi of Israel and Rishon LeZion, Rabbi David Yosef, visited the Gush Katif Museum in Jerusalem last week to mark 21 years since the burning of synagogues in Gush Katif by an Arab mob following Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005. During his rare public remarks on Jewish settlement in Gaza, Rabbi Yosef stated that God will destroy all of Gaza because of the desecration of synagogues, and that Jews will return there.

Rabbi Yosef expressed a strong stance against Palestinian claims to the land, saying Palestinians have never been a people with rights there, asserting that the land's rights belong to the Jewish people. He lamented failed peace efforts, noting that despite Israel's concessions, the result was violence. He emphasized patience for redemption and a desire for peace, but criticized Palestinians for aligning with Iran and promoting violence.

Accompanying Rabbi Yosef were Rabbi Lior Cohen, son-in-law of Rabbi Moshe Mazuz, and Tzvi Amar, president of the France-Israel Relations Organization. The visit included a memorial event and the completion of a Talmudic tractate by visitors from Zichron Yaakov.

Rabbi Yosef also inscribed a guestbook entry expressing hope to rebuild the holy communities of Gush Katif and throughout Israel, praying for the safe dwelling of Judah and Israel and the rebuilding of the entire Land of Israel with the coming of the righteous redeemer. He received from the museum management the book "Gaza Then and Always," published with the blessing of his brother, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the current Rishon LeZion.

The visit and statements highlight ongoing religious and national sentiments regarding the Gaza settlements and the aspiration to return and rebuild Jewish communities there despite past expulsions and violence.