Yeshivah Bochurim Visit Amona To Give Chizzuk

A group of Bochurim from Yeshivas Aderes Hatorah arrived in Amona Friday morning to give chizzuk to the residents who are facing expulsion from their homes and hometowntown- in the coming days. The bochurim met with residents and youths who came from far and wide to show support and protest the high court’s deplorable decision to expel Jews from their homes, especially in Eretz Yisroel.

Yeshivas Aderes Hatorah, located in the Beis Yisroel neighborhood, of Yerushalayim not far from the Mir, had an official off- Shabbos this past week. A group of first year bochurim together with their Rebbe, took the opportunity to be mechazik Yidden in an eis tzorah.

The bochurim first made their way to the Shomron where they davened shachris-vesikin in the town of Har Bracha, named after the legendary Har Grizzim, where it is situated. After shachris, the group visited the nearby, stunning, Mitspeh Yosef observation point, from where one can see Kever Yosef in Shechem. The bochurim marveled at the site of the ancient city of shchem, of which it is told in this week’s parsha, Shimon and Levi decimated after the abduction of their sister Dina.

At around 7:30 AM the group traveled to Amona, unaware if the eviction was in progress or not. As the van ascended the winding road to Amona, the bochurim saw dozens of youths making their way to and from the town whose fate is indeterminate. Arriving in the town, they encountered many vehicles belonging to media outlets which had come from all over to cover the unfortunate eviction. The group first examined the site of nine destroyed homes, razed back in 2006-per ruling of the high court. The bochurim walked through rubble, listening to the silent wreckage tell a story of unrealized dreams.

The bochurim met three youths aged sixteen, who had come from various cities in Israel to spend Shabbos with and support the residents in their struggle over their homes. The youths explained they were not planning a violent confrontation with security forces, rather a peaceful opposition to the forced expulsion. ‘’We did not come to fight with the police,” explained one of the youths from Eli, a nearby town. “Nobody wants it to be violent, not the residents or others like us that came to show support.”

“We came to spend Shabbos, sing songs, and give chizzuk to the residents who are unfortunately facing eviction from their homes”. The youths described the misconception that the media has been portraying about them. “The media has it all wrong; we are not planning a violent confrontation with the police. Aside from a few trouble makers, there will not be any serious confrontations.”

Heading towards the shul, the group met Shimon, a father of two and local resident of Amona. Shimon went on to explain that the high court was ordering the eviction of 40 families and the total destruction of the town, because Arabs are laying claim to 2 of the 500 dunam that the town is built on. “Why don’t they just get compensation for their land?” one of the bochurim interjected.

With a sad gaze on his face Shimon replied ‘’ It’s not about ownership; they don’t want Jews living here.”

Expressing hope that the expulsion will not take place, Shimon said that they were preparing for Shabbos as usual and had no intention of packing.

When asked where he takes the strength from, Shimon gave a puzzled look and said “This is how one is supposed to live; this is Eretz Yisroel; this is life”.
After shaking hands and offering words of encouragement, Shimon thanked the group for coming and showing support.

By Eli B.
Edited by H.S.

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