It appears as if Joseph's Tomb, the Tomb of the Patriarchs, and Rachel's Tomb—holy places which generations of Jews dreamed of seeing with their own eyes one day, may end up beyond Israeli sovereignty.
Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan said it was a mistake Jews around the world would never forgive. "It's something we can't—and won't accept," he proclaimed.
"The holiest places in the Jewish faith can't be abandoned by a right-wing government or any Israeli government for that matter. This is a rejection of the most fundamental principles of the Jewish people's return to their homeland. Rachel's Tomb, Joseph's Tomb and the Tomb of the Patriarchs will not be abandoned."
Dagan said the current outline presented a problem for all of the settlement blocs. "The truth must come out: If Netanyahu draws a map that leaves out Elon Moreh, he is, in fact, giving up on Elon Moreh. When you have 19 isolated settlements, it looks like a second disengagement," he asserted.
Dagan mentioned 19 settlements that, according to information obtained by heads of the Yesha Council, will be secluded within PA-controlled territory following the application of sovereignty, including Itamar, Yitzhar, Elon Moreh, Har Bracha, Mevo Dotan, and Homesh.
Dagan also stated that leaving those settlements isolated endangers both the lives of local residents and Israel's capacity to defend herself, as most of these communities are situated on high ground overlooking the coastal plain.
"Not only would this be a second disengagement," said Dagan, "but it would also bear the same consequences. Only this time, the missiles will fall on Tel Aviv instead of the South, and Israel will no longer be able to defend her borders. Such a move would be irresponsible and I expect the Prime Minister to reject it outright and not allow the State's most vital interests to be harmed."
For the past three weeks, the Samaria Regional Council has been leading a campaign to apply sovereignty without establishing a terrorist state and creating isolated settlement blocs. According to Dagan, "Sovereignty can be applied even without the agreement of the United States. Trump may condemn us but he won't harm our interests because he is a friend of Israel and friends need to understand that sometimes disagreements arise. Certainly at a time like this, six months prior to elections and with his support base dominated by Evangelicals, [he will allow it to take place]."
Fridays at Oz veGaon –
The Struggle for Rachel’s Tomb
Our mother Rachel was 36 years old at her death. Her tomb is on the main road so that she would be able to meet her sons as they returned from exile.
Today that road has changed. Her tomb is behind walls.
Thanks to the persistent and heroic struggle led by Rav Hanan Porat, zt”l, and other activists, we are able to visit her tomb.
Rav Haim Falk, Rav Hanan Porat’s close student and right hand for 32 years, spoke about the struggle to keep Rachel’s tomb in our hands.
It was a historic lecture.
This past Friday, November 8th in Oz veGaon, on the eve of the Yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu,
we heard about the personality of Rabbi Chanan Porat ztz"l and his activities to ensure that
Kever Rachel remains in Israeli hands by Rav Chaim Falk, Chanan Porat's assistant/student/friend.
It was a historic lecture describing an important chapter in the battle against the Oslo Accords. Highly recommended!
We filmed it. Here is the link with the simultaneous translation to English: https://youtu.be/AG73HkiDqRU
For those who want to listen to the original Hebrew lecture: https://youtu.be/uaMW_QYOZQw
Share with family and friends! Enjoy!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The next Friday morning lecture in Oz VeGaon
will take place Iy"h on November 22, Erev Parashat Chayei Sarah.
The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Yoram Almakayes about Zionist youth and Chevron,
the city of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. A morning not to be missed. Shavua Tov!
The public is invited! Light refreshments will be served.
For transportation from Jerusalem: Renee 054-7103240
The lecture is in Hebrew with simultaneous translation to English.
Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar
050-7161818 050-5500834