Widow of Slain Rabbi Loses Home in Massive Fire at West Bank Settlement

Yael Shevach, widow of Rabbi Raziel Shevach who was murdered in a 2018 terror attack, suffered another personal tragedy when her home in the West Bank settlement of Havat Gilad was completely destroyed in a massive fire that broke out during the recent Sabbath. The fire rapidly spread through the settlement, consuming 13 homes, a garage, and a wood storage facility. Residents were evacuated promptly due to the immediate danger to life, and thankfully, Shevach and her children were safely evacuated without injury.

The blaze began near Mitzpe Yishai in the nearby settlement of Kedumim and was initially contained there, but strong winds pushed the fire toward Havat Gilad. Firefighters battled the flames for hours, with two firefighters injured and a local resident fainting from the ordeal. In addition to the extensive property damage, one fire truck was completely destroyed and another armored firefighting vehicle was heavily damaged by the intense heat.

Yael Shevach is a prominent figure in Israeli media and the religious-nationalist community, known for her outspoken views and resilience following her husband's assassination near the entrance to Havat Gilad. Shortly after the fire, she posted on social media expressing her heartbreak and loss: "The house is no longer here. We are okay. Thank you all for your concern. I have nothing to say and no home."

This latest disaster adds to the personal hardships she and her family face as they now confront the challenge of rebuilding both their home and their lives after the devastating fire.