Panel Explores Youth of West Bank Settlements and Their Heavy Personal Costs
A revealing and emotional panel discussion aired on the program “These Religious” focused on the often overlooked realities of the youth living in West Bank settlements, known as the "hilltop youth," and the farm communities. The panel, hosted by Ortal Barzilai and Hadar Ben Hamo, featured participants including Ayala Ben Gvir, wife of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir; Rivka Laufer, a wellness and settlement advocate; Sivan Amran, an activist with Mothers for the Hilltop Youth Forum; and Eliraz Fein, a former hilltop youth member.
Rivka Laufer described life in these communities as a "love story to the Land of Israel," emphasizing a deep connection to the land, a sense of mission, and the desire to keep the land in Jewish hands. Eliraz Fein shared a harrowing personal experience of being detained at age 18, during which she was reportedly forced to stand naked before police officers, highlighting the stark contrast between the youth's sense of purpose and the harsh treatment they sometimes receive from state authorities.
Sivan Amran brought forward the fears of mothers worried that Israeli security forces might harm their sons, recounting cases of youths injured by police and security personnel. Ayala Ben Gvir spoke about progress in attitudes toward these youths but also about the deep wounds left by the destruction of the Gush Katif settlement bloc, which fractured trust, identity, and belonging, pushing many young people to seek meaning in the hilltop communities.
The discussion also addressed the issue of military conscription and the need to engage young people who love the nation and want to contribute. The panel noted their enlistment after October 7 to assist with welding and armor work on tanks and military vehicles. The conversation concluded with a call to understand the love, pain, and mission behind the headlines before judging the hilltop youth, acknowledging the administrative arrests and social stigmas they face.
