It was a real privilege to have been able to accompany Helen. Even though I live in the same general area, I don't get to nearby Jewish villages. It may sound peculiar to some of you, but I had a real reason for calling my Arutz 7 blog, The Eye of The Storm. In some ways, living here is just living. We're busy with ordinary things. There's a calm, like the eye of the storm, while all sorts of dangerous things are swirling around us. I'm not oblivious to the dangers, but regardless of Olmert's threats, we go on with our lives in defiance and with confidence that we will survive. Olmert will just be one of the sorrier figures in Jewish History, while our contributions will be admired.
The tour was led by David Haivri of Tapuach. Our first stop was Rechallim. That's the location of the Arab terror attack when terrorists shot up a bus from Shiloh going to the Tel Aviv demonstration on the eve of the Madrid Conference. Two people were murdered, the driver, Yitzchak Harofeh and my neighbor and close frriend, Rachella Druk. In response to her murder, she was buried in Shiloh, which inaugurated our cemetery, and two communities were established. Shvut Rachel, just to the east of my home was given approval almost immediately, but Rechallim, where her murder actually took place is still struggling for official recognition.
Yitzchak Shamir's government fought all of the groups which tried to live there. It took a long time for any buildings to be built. As of today, almost twenty years later, conditions are horrendous, but young families still want to live there. For me it was very emotional seeing all of the young children. Rachella loved children and had seven at the time of her murder.
Then we went to an outpost where all of Shechem lay before us. The view was totally breathtaking. We could see every building including Kever Yosef, abandoned by Ehud Barak's reign of terror government. His short lived regime was the worst time in Israeli history. How can he dare to consider himself a candidate for Prime Minister after what he did? And how is it that the Israeli public has forgotten the rampant terrorism under his rule?
From there we went to Barkan, to the office of the Governor of the Shomron Regional Council. We had to wait a few minutes until he was available, since it was mincha (the afternoon) prayer time. The synagogue was overflowing.
Gershon Masika, gave us more details about the difficulties he faces finding ways to support the small unrecognized communities. He began his talk by showing us a map which makes the dangers of a terror state in the heart of Eretz Yisrael so obvious. The breadth of land Olmert is offering the Arabs is much larger than what he proposes remain in Israel's hands.
Afterwards we drove further into the heartland of our Biblical History, to Itamar and further, to Avri Ran's farm. We were invited to lunch and feasted on the goat yogurt and cheese they produce there. His very talented son-in-law told us the history of the farm and showed us his very impressive art, including the synagogue, like none I've ever seen before.
It was definitely a beautiful and inspiring day.
