Five new buildings were purchased by the Harhivi Makom Ohalech organization creating the HaGevurah neighborhood. “We have returned home with our heads held high,” the group stated, “in realizing the inheritance given to us by our fathers and mothers.”
The entry into the buildings marks a significant policy change. “The days of containment and confrontational ministers are over. Today we have real assistance from the government,” the group stated.
In the past, real estate deals had to be done in secret and transactions were scrutinized by the government in a process that took years. In many instances, homes legally purchased were challenged in court and the residents were forcibly removed by the government.
Last week’s Israeli cabinet decision lifted the ban on Jews purchasing property in Judea and Samaria and made the land registry public.
The neighborhood is named in memory of Israel Defense Force soldiers who fell in battle in the recent Operation Swords of Iron.
The father of one of the fallen soldiers joined the new families inhabiting the buildings to recite the shechehinanu prayer.
“We were privileged to raise and educate our sons here in the shadow of the holy ancestors,” stated Yehoshua Shani, “and according to the legacy of our forefather Abraham, our sons went out to battle, to defend the nation and redeem it from the bitter enemy. And with great excitement, we fulfill their will today and join the Haravi organization at the entrance to the houses and the neighborhood, which is a great redemption for the region and the entire people of Israel in the land and in the Diaspora.”
So far 15 families are inhabiting the neighborhood. The Harhivi group says extensive renovation needs to be done for plumbing, electrical work, plastering, environmental development and more.
The HaGevurah neighborhood is located in between the Gal neighborhood and the township of Kiryat Arba in the H2 section of Hebron. The H1 designated section of Hebron is under Palestinian Authority control and off-limits to Israeli Jews. It is the largest and wealthiest city in the PA controlled areas and has seen a surge in building in recent years including the new 17-floor Crown mall which features an indoor ice skating rink.
NOTES:
- History in Hebron: “Neighborhood of Heroism” established – Israel National News
- Daylight: The “Heroes Neighborhood” was established in heart of Hebron – Israel HaYom
- Tremendous achievement: new Jewish neighborhood in heart of Hebron – Emess radio
- Five new buildings: Heroic Neighborhood established in heart of Hebron – Srugim
