The first families moved into the new community of Ebal in northern Samaria Thursday morning, bringing equipment into trailer homes set up at the site. An official ceremony is scheduled for later Thursday with members of Knesset and public figures in attendance.
2+The move comes about a year after a cabinet decision led by Ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich, as part of the “Reconnection Plan” spearheaded by the Samaria Regional Council. The plan calls for establishing 19 new communities across northern Samaria to strengthen security in the area and address what supporters call the injustice of past evacuations.
The community is being built on Mount Ebal, a site of historical and national significance that contains archaeological remains of what’s believed to be the altar of Joshua bin Nun. Yossi Dagan, Governor of the Samaria Regional Council who accompanied the founding families, said: “This is a great moment for every Zionist who loves this land, to see a new community born in the State of Israel.”
2+Dagan added: “Establishing Ebal is a fitting Zionist response—an answer of building, development and action in Samaria. We’re privileged to write a new and glorious chapter today in the history of re-settling Israel. This land has waited empty for thousands of years—600 families will live here.”
Dagan continued: “My heart is full seeing the equipment trucks climbing the mountain, to see the first children running on Ebal’s new paths and life beginning here from zero. We didn’t come here as passersby—we came to put down roots, build a home and stay forever. We’re establishing a flourishing community that will light up the entire region, and this is a giant step toward expanding our hold across all of northern Samaria.”
2+Noam and Na’ama Ozeri, among the founding families and first residents of Ebal, said: “We’re privileged to take part in a movement with all the people of Israel, establishing a new community in Israel. This news shapes how the entire redemption of the land moves forward. The Land of Israel is waiting for us and receiving us with love.”