Residents of Malachei HaShalom in the Benjamin region marked the completion of the Jewish community’s legalization and its official recognition as a fully authorized community, 11 years after first establishing it. A ceremony held Tuesday brought together the founding families—the Rosenfelds and Har Melech families—along with government ministers, Knesset members, and residents.
2+Malachei HaShalom now has about 40 families and serves as a community center for farms in the area. The town is named after Malachi Rosenfeld and Shalom (Shuli) Har Melech, who were murdered in terror attacks in the region. It was established in 2015, one day after Malachi Rosenfeld’s murder, when a group of pioneers moved to the site and set up a farm.
The outpost was built on the grounds of the Mevo Shilo Nahal community, founded in 1976. In 2023, the government officially recognized the town, and after completing all stages of the legalization process, residents and community leadership marked the completion this week.
2+Benjamin Regional Council head and Yesha Council chairman Israel Gantz said at the event: “For me, this day is not just another community legalization ceremony. This is a day of historic justice. I can look the families and friends in the eyes and say, we didn’t stop and we won’t stop.”
Gantz added: “We will continue to build, continue to plant, continue to inhabit, and in their name and memory we will continue their journey.” He thanked the Har Melech, Rosenfeld, and Achimeir families and other families who attended the event, as well as Jewish communities Minister Orit Strock, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and those who helped advance the town’s legalization.
2+Jewish communities and National Missions Minister Orit Strock said: “Malachei HaShalom is an example and symbol of love of the land that overcomes all obstacles.” The Benjamin Council said that alongside Malachei HaShalom, new Jewish communities are expected to be established in the coming years, including Kanfei Shachar and Metzukei Eretz, as part of expanding the town bloc along the Alon Road and strengthening Jewish communities in eastern Benjamin.