Gush Etzion Regional Council

Tonight! A few spots opened up, reserve your spot by registering here https://tinyurl.com/comedyND
(The event is free and open to all who sign up)

English Comedy Night with Chani Lisbon June 16th Reservation Form Please fill out this form to reserve your place. Your registration allows us to ensure that we have enough space for all participants. Doors open at 8PM, Show starts promptly at 8:30PM Neve Daniel Simcha Hall (next to the Main Shul)

Dear Residents,
This coming Friday, 23 Iyar, 31.05.24, the 21st bicycle ride in memory of the late Yitzchak Boanish, HY”D the security officer of Kiryat Arba who was murdered in 2002 in Hebron, will be held.

The route begins in Kiryat Arba and ends at the Kotel. The police will block Route 60 towards Jerusalem according to the following schedule:
05:15-06:30 - *The Elias intersection (Kiryat Arba) will be blocked up to the Carmi Tzur intersection* in both directions. The road between Carmei Tzur and Tzomet HaGush will remain open to the residents of the yishuv.

06:45-08:00 - *Route 60 between the Carmei Tzur intersection (Halhol) and Tzomet HaGush* will be blocked in both directions. With the passage of the riders at around 07:15, the Carmei Tzur intersection will open for southbound traffic only. Alternative roads for travel: Route 35 from 06:15 onwards.

08:15-09:15 - *Route 60 from the Tzomet HaGush to the Al Chader junction* will be blocked in both directions. All the exits from the yishuvim near the intersection and the road will be closed to traffic. The road will gradually open according to the pace of the riding. Alternative roads for travel: road 367 from the Tzomet HaGush to Alon Shvut, road 398 Tekoa-Har Homa towards Jerusalem.

08:15-09:15 - *Route 375 (Beitar Illit -El Hadar)* will be blocked in both directions. Alternative roads for travel: to Jerusalem road 398 from Mizmoria checkpoint, road 386 to Nes Harim.

9:30-10-30- *The tunnel checkpoints to the Rosmarin junction* will be blocked in both directions. Alternative roads for travel: traffic will be directed towards the Talita Komi-Wallaje axis.

10:00-12:00 *Intermittent blockades from the Rosemary intersection (Gilo) along Hebron Road in Jerusalem.*

The hours of the blockade are subject to change according to the progress of the riders and security instructions. Follow the announcements. You can keep up to date by calling 02-9969777 for road conditions in real time, calling the 110 hotline of the Israel Police, and on the various navigation apps. The police appeal to the public to drive with extra caution due to the large number of cyclists and to obey the instructions of the police officers. In any unusual event you should contact the police hotline 100 or the police officers stationed in the area.

Shavua tov!
The moetza has added English subtitles to the clip that was sent out last week in regard to the illegal PA city being built in eastern Gush Etzion. Thank you to those who brought up the importance.

Palestinians are building a huge illegal city in a nature reserve While we are fighting in Gaza and the north, the Palestinian Authority is building a huge illegal city in a nature reserve, destroying the Judean desert, iso...

Cherry picking in the orchards of Gush Etzion started this week!

This is the time to get together with friends and family, pick sweet fruit, experience the beautiful nature of the Gush and strengthen our local businesses. Picking locations and hours are publicized on the Gush Etzion tourism site.
https://etziontour.org.il/en/cherry-and-berry-picking/

Yom Ha'zikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut in Gush Etzion

Kfar Azza, 2023. The smell of corpses, terrorists still in the field, sounds of war heard against the backdrop of the incredible Western Negev landscape.

At the entrance to the fields stands a tank from the south and a ZAKA ambulance from the north.

The kibbutz was destroyed - sadness that has no end.
The thought that ran through my head was that this story cannot end like this.

Exactly like Kfar Etzion that was destroyed in 1948 (after over a hundred kibbutzniks and fighters were killed there in one day), and re-emerged in 1967, and today our Gush is flourishing and thriving with tens of thousands of residents.

We remember the difficult past, we do not forget our destiny, in order to create a prosperous future.

The enormous powers inherent in this nation will be discovered, and the Western Negev will flourish and prosper.
Children's voices will return to Kfar Azza, Be'eri and Nirim.
Construction and growth will return to the kibbutzim.
And the farmers will plow the fields.

And it will happen faster than expected, because this is our only country and there is no force that can stand against this nation's will of existence.

And one thread will connect the battle of Kfar Etzion in 1948 to the battle of Kfar Azza in 2023:

Although we lost these battles, we will win the war.
The campaign for the existence of our people in our country.

18 fallen, residents of Gush Etzion, have joined the circle of bereavement on the commemorative wall by the Lone Oak this year, 17 of them in the current war that we are in the midst of, together with the best sons of the people of Israel.

The memorial wall, as well as the military plot in Kfar Etzion, have grown significantly this year (some of the fallen are buried on Mount Herzl). They recount the heroism of Bnei Gush Etzion among the heroes of the nation in the Swords of Iron War and the October 7th attack.

This year we support the families of those who fell in this war and in other Israeli wars and hostilities in the fight for our country. And then we will celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut with the flag that our soldiers fought for.

Last night, memorial ceremonies were held in the yishuvim.

Today, there will be a ceremony at the cemetery in Kfar Etzion - shuttles and parking are available to the public starting at 09:30 from the Chatmar. Traffic on the road leading to the cemetery will be limited (to watch the ceremony at the above link: https://evt.live/event631062)

For Yom HaZikaron events in the Gush: https://etziontour.org.il/%d7%96%d7%95%d7%9b%d7%a8%d7%99%d7%9d-%d7%90%d7%aa-% d7%9b%d7%95%d7%9c%d7%9d/

Yom Ha'atzmaut: In the evening there will be a sing-along in the matnas.

On Tuesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm there will be a family event in Tekoa with activities, as well as safari trips for the whole family.

For Yom Ha'atzmaut events in the Gush: https://etziontour.org.il/%d7%99%d7%95%d7%9d-%d7%94%d7%a2%d7%a6%d7%9e%d7%90%d7 %95%d7%aa/

Yaron Rosenthal, Head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council

Yom HaAtzmaut celebration at Park HaBanim in Tekoa:
👮‍♂️👩‍🚒 Display of the security forces
💦 Water inflatables and extreme activities for all ages
Tours
🦔 Animal show
🕴️ Magician
📀DJ
🎨 Craft booth
🤫 A quiet area for families with special needs

AND
safari trips from Kfar Eldad!

10:00-14:00
Entry is free!

English narration and commentary of the Yom Ha'Zikaron ceremony will be livestreamed at:

https://youtube.com/live/xABspLJs3bg?feature=share

It is with great sorrow that Gush Etzion announces the death of Yitav Lev Halevi HY”D, son of Vered and Yoram Halevi of Har Gilo.

The funeral will be held at 16:00 tomorrow in the police section of Har Herzl.

The public is invited to stand along the way with flags.

The family will sit shiva in their home in Har Gilo.

If is with great sorrow that the Gush Etzion Regional Council announces the death of Nachman Natan Hertz (Hertzberg), HY”D husband of Joana-Shoshana and father of Avigail and Talia, resident of Elazar.
The funeral will be held at 12:00 at Har Hertzel.
The public is invited to come to the cemetery or to stand with flags on the way.
ומחה ה' דמעה מעל כל פנים.
The Hertz’s made aliya from France.

Dear Residents,
Good evening.

As the National Memorial Days begin, we would like to clarify the difference between a memorial siren and an alarm:

In the event that a warning alarm is sounded during the memorial siren, the memorial siren will stop, and a rising and falling warning alarm will begin.

Here is a [Hebrew] video of the Home Front Command on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WQrOlFRnWBg

Two new deputies have been appointed to the Gush Etzion Council - Mayor Yaron Rosenthal: "Unifying east and west, together we will reach new heights."

On Wednesday night the Assembly of the Gush Etzion Council elected two deputies to the mayor:

Moshe Berniker, representative of Tekoa, and Danny Shavor, representative of Alon Shvut. Moshe Berniker, 49, is married to Michal, a father of six, lives in Tekoa, and is the director of the development department at the Center for Bnei Akiva Yeshivot. He was formerly the chairman of the vaad of Tekoa.

Dani Shavor, 74, is married to Michal, a father of six and grandfather to many. He is a resident of Alon Shvut since 1976, retired economist and CPA, one of the Alon Shvut representatives to the council for the first 15 years, member of the Alon Shvut vaad for 2 terms as treasurer and board member and auditor of the matnas until now.

The head of the Gush Etzion Council, Yaron Rosenthal, congratulated the new deputies: "Moshe and Dani are deep-rooted activists from Gush Etzion and have a lot of experience. We are uniting east and west, an old generation and the next generation, and I am happy that the council has deputies from both Tekoa and Alon Shvut, the two largest yishuvim in the Gush, that will represent their areas. Dani and Moshe will help me lead the council to new heights."

*The spring-iest and most Israeli Passover right here in Gush Etzion.*
This year more than ever we are touring in Gush Etzion!!!
*Enjoy a variety of attractions and events close to home while helping our reservists' tourism businesses.* 🧑‍🚒👮‍♀️💂‍♂️👩‍✈️

* Jeep and ranger trips
* Horseback riding🏇
* Omega- the longest in Israel
* Ropes park ♀️ 🧗
* Hikes🚶‍♀️🚴
* Springs🩴
* The Biyar Aquaduct- walk in the water
* In addition, 80% discounts are available for the families of miluimnikim

For all the details, visit: 👇https://etziontour.org.il/en/pesach-activities/
Wishing you a Chag kasher ve'sameach!🥂
The Gush Etzion Tourism Department

Passover Activities in Gush Etzion 2024 - תיירות גוש עציון Just a short 15 minute drive from Jerusalem and less than an hour from Tel Aviv you’ll find a wide range of activities, events, attractions, tzimmers, breathtaking views, trails, springs and more! We salute the business owners that spent months protecting our country while on reserve duty. Now is ...

4/14/2024, 6:15 PM Message No. 2

Dear Residents,

At the end of the situation assessment, the defense guidelines remain unchanged and in effect until Monday 04.15.2024 at 23:00.
The full instructions are detailed in the following link: https://www.oref.org.il/12487-15896-he/Pakar.aspx

*Gatherings of up to 1000 people are allowed as long as participants may reach a protected area within a minute and a half.*

For families who wish to spend the night in a shelter, the council is offering the option of staying in the shelters of the educational institutions in both eastern and western Gush Etzion. Bring pillows, mattresses and sleeping bags.

*To register a request to stay in a protected complex - please contact Moked 106. Registration is until 22:00 at night.*

The complexes will open from 20.00 in the evening until 9.00 the next day.

The vatikim (senior citizens) clubs in the yishuvim will be held in Alon Shvut, Tekoa and Nokdim.

There are online courses for children on the Matnas website: https://www.matnasetzion.com/index.php

Sincerely,
The Gush Etzion Regional Council
To join the council's original Hebrew updates group, join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GLLraoErbeg1jRmwbVNu58

4/14/2024, 12:00

Dear Residents,

In Gush Etzion last night, as in many places in Israel, there were interceptions without casualties. Our residents demonstrated resilience and strength. At the moment there are no changes in instructions until further notice.

In summary: there are no studies in educational institutions, summer camps and youth movements.
Gatherings of up to 1000 people are allowed as long as participants may reach a protected area within a minute and a half.
Equip yourself and your protected space according to the instructions that have been published here and in other places.

More details can be found on the Home Front Command website.

It is very important to download the home front command app and select the yishuv that you live in as an area of interest (or the nearest yishuv if your own yishuv is not identified):
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alert.meserhadash

iPhone
https://apps.apple.com/il/app/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%93-%D7%94%D7%A2%D7%95%D7% A8%D7%A3/id1542010719?l=en

Moadoniyot for senior citizens are expected to return to activity tomorrow (Monday), in accordance with the directives of the Home Front Command.
Online activities and lectures will be updated on the Matnas website.

We are strong together.
The Gush Etzion Regional Council

Dear Residents,

Following the events of the night, you may come across intercepted missile fragments on the ground.

Attention - do not touch these fragments, they could be life-threatening!

What do you do if you notice an unknown object on the ground? Move away quickly, keep others away and report it to the police.
Just as you did last night, continue to follow Home Front Command instructions, they save lives.

We must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and wait 10 minutes in the protected areas from the moment of the warning.

The Gush Etzion regional Council

Dear Residents and Parents,

As you know, according to the decision of the Home Front Command, there will be no educational activities tomorrow and Israel is preparing for an attack.
We have been at war for six months and have faced many emergencies as individuals and as a community. *We have within us the personal and communal resilience to deal with the coming days as well*.

A number of general instructions for speaking with children-
*Listening* - first of all to yourself and then to the children
*Information* - for each child, give over the information according to their age. Reduce media exposure at a young age and mediate the information to older ages.
*Routine* - in the coming days, create a daily routine that combines what is familiar to children from their everyday life (arts and crafts, free play, learning, video calling with friends, music/sports activities and more)
*Security* - try to create a sense of security as much as possible, ask the children what will help them at this time.
If you or your child feel distressed or want to consult, you can contact the council's 106 hotline or the Ministry of Education's emotional support hotline- *6552 extension 5

*The Ministry of Health publishes phone numbers of the resilience centers and the emergency and emotional support centers of the kuppot cholim.*

The security situation presents us with many challenges. The Ministry of Health reminds the public that anyone who needs can turn to the resilience centers and the kuppot cholim in order to receive psychological assistance.

All the information about the emergency centers and emotional support: https://datadashboard.health.gov.il/portal/dashboard/health

Telephone of the National Therapeutic Resilience Center *5486
The center operates on Sunday-Friday from 08:00 to 20:00

Kuppot cholim: (Health companies)
Meuchedet 3833
Leumit 507*
Maccabi 3555*
Klalit 8703 *

Videos to help with mental coping:
Hebrew:
Prof. Eil Fruchter, Psychiatrist, Director of Ma'ale HaCarmel Hospital and Chairman of the National Post Traumatic Council:
https://youtu.be/mRle9oWozRo
Vared Atzmon is a paid medical psychologist, director of the medical psychology service at Medical Kerr with tools on how each of us can deal with anxiety.
https://youtu.be/9iP-J7qIIWk
Russian:
https://youtu.be/gbdh-aa2v8A

Hoping for quiet and peaceful days.
Gush Etzion Regional Council

To join the council's *Hebrew* updates, join: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BVOwSSlLqPeHX8clmipLNt

chat.whatsapp.com

Dear Residents,

According to the assessment of the Home Front Command, a short time ago dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles were launched from Iran towards Israel. It will take them several hours to arrive and it is assumed that they will be intercepted.

The guidelines currently remain as it is until further notice.

It is recommended to download the home front command application and select areas of interest of the locality where you live:

Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alert.meserhadash

iPhone
https://apps.apple.com/il/app/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%93-%D7%94%D7%A2%D7%95%D7% A8%D7%A3/id1542010719?l=en

Message of the Home Front Command:

"Did you receive a warning about the intrusion of a hostile aircraft? Remember that this is a different threat than missile fire, but the way to defend against it is the same:

Enter the protected area and wait 10 minutes, unless another warning is received.

If the aircraft changes its position, a warning will be received according to the relevant area where there is danger.
Please note - unlike missile fire, an aircraft may pass over several different warning areas and therefore may be intercepted or exploded in a different area from the original area where the first warning was received. This is why you may receive a warning of hostile aircraft intrusion, but not hear the explosion.

Obey the instructions."

Home Front Command - Apps on Google Play

Dear Residents,

Following the directives of the Home Front Command, we are currently conducting situation assessments in the moetza, in order to provide the maximum amount of educational activities, subject to the approvals of the Home Front Command.

For instructions from the Home Front Command: https://www.oref.org.il/12487-15896-en/Pakar.aspx

Yaron Rosenthal

Defensive Guidelines Guidelines for conduction educational activities, operating ...

The funeral of Sergeant Ilai Tzair, HY”D will take place at 15:00 today, at Har Herzl Cemetery.

Ilai Tzair, 20 years old, a combat soldier of the commando unit, in training at the commando school, fell in battle in southern Gaza.

The funeral procession will leave his home in Kedar and will pass through Ma'ale Adumim with a police es**rt to the Elazim checkpoint. The public is invited to stand with flags along the way to pay their last respects.

Ilai, from the yishuv Keidar, is the son of Yaffa and Erez and brother of Shiloh, Yael and Nevo. He studied at the yeshiva high school in Maale Adumim. His friends and family describe him as quiet and modest, the first to help and full of good character traits. He loved the country and traveling in it.

The family will sit shiva at 67 HaOr Street, Kedar.

וּמָחָה ה' דִּמְעָה מֵעַל כָּל פָּנִים

*Attention parents of children in gan- grade 3- Today, Tuesday 26/3, is the last day to register for kaytanot Pesach!*
After this date, registration will be possible based on availability only and with a late registration fee of NIS 30 per child. Hurry up to register! Details and registration at the link: https://did.li/AJwr

Are you a woman looking to improve your health? Check out this new local program in English starting soon! See flier below for details and eligibility.

Volunteer in the Otef on Tuesday -

סיוע לחקלאות בעוטף - טיקצ'אק מועצה אזורית גוש עציון מסייעת לחקלאי העוטף

Volunteer lemon picking tomorrow in Tekumah.
Departure from the Givah Ha'Tzehuba at 7:45am, estimated return at 15:30. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.
See additional details in the registration link: https://tayarut-gushetzion.tickchak.co.il/54589?ref=13BW
For questions contact the matnas 02-9937999 or email [email protected]

סיוע לחקלאות בעוטף - טיקצ'אק מועצה אזורית גוש עציון מסייעת לחקלאי העוטף

Announcement from Gush Etzion

The Gush Etzion Regional Council announces the death of Sergeant Major Yuval Nir HY”D, a resident of Kfar Etzion, who fell in battle in Gaza.

Yuval leaves behind his wife Ayala and five children.

His parents Amos and Letzi Nir are residents of Migal Oz, Gush Etzion.

Gush Etzion Regional Council Mayor Shlomo Ne’eman said:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one Yuval Nir. He was one of our most precious sons who went into battle on Simchat Torah (October 7) in Gaza. Yuval, you fell as a hero, in the most just of wars, in defense of your people and homeland. We send our condolences to the extended Nir family and the communities of Kfar Etzion and Migdal Oz.”

The Wolfstal family will leave for the funeral of their son, Ariel, HY"D, today at 1:15 pm from their home in Elazar to the cemetery in Kfar Etzion.
The public is invited to stand on the side of the road with Israeli flags.
Link to the funeral broadcast: https://livestream.com/bti/funeral23012024

The Gush Etzion Regional Council mourns the death of two of its sons

This morning, the IDF shared that amongst the 21 soldiers killed in Gaza yesterday, Sergent Major (res.) Yuval Lopez of Alon Shvut, and Captain (res.) Ariel Mordechai Wolfstal of Elazar HY"D fell in battle.

Lopez (27), is the son of Yocheved and Yohai Lopez from Givat Ha'Hish in Alon Shvut, married to Sigalit, and the father of three daughters, the youngest only eight-months-old. They now live in Kfar Tapuach. Yuval's family made Aliyah from Peru when he was six, and he studied at Efrat's Orot Yehuda high school.

Yuval is the fifth to fall since the start of the war from Alon Shvut. His funeral will take place this afternoon at the Mount Herzl cemetery.

Ariel Mordechai Wolfstal is the eldest son of Volly and Chili and the husband of Sapir. Just two days ago he celebrated his wedding anniversary.

Ariel studied at the Derech Ha'Avot high school, and at the Yatir mechina. Just six months ago, he received a degree in economics and business administration and was working at an investment firm in Tel Aviv.

His funeral will be held today at 14:30 in the military section of the cemetery in Kfar Etzion.

The Mayor of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Shlomo Ne'eman, eulogized them both:

"Just yesterday evening I met Cheli, Ariel's mother, who organized an event for families of those who were called up for reserve service, and this morning we are gathering to prepare the funeral and shiva for her eldest son.

Two of our best sons fell in this war defending the existence of our country, and Gush Etzion deeply mourns their passing. We send our condolences to the Wolfstal and Lopez families and pray together with the entire nation of Israel for better days."

Marching in Their Honor on the Path of the Patriarchs (Derech Ha’avot)

Friday morning, hundreds marched on the historical Path of the Patriarchs from Neve Daniel to the Lone Oak, marking 100 days of the Swords of Iron war. Shlomo Ne’eman, Mayor of the Gush Etzion regional council said, “We are marching on the path of the Patriarchs until the Lone Oak, places that symbolize Jewish history and the restoration of Gush Etzion, to strengthen the spirit for the return of the captives and for victory.”

The march and rally were held in Gush Etzion to pay tribute to one hundred days of war. The event was initiated by residents of Neve Daniel in cooperation with the Gush Etzion Regional Council, the Gush Etzion sports and culture center, the religious council, the Gush Etzion Foundation, and the communities located along the Path of the Patriarchs, comprising Neve Daniel, Elazar, Rosh Tzurim, and Alon Shvut.

At the rally, following the march, the Chairman of the Kiryat Arba Council, Eliyahu Liebman, whose son, Elyakim Liebman, is a captive in Gaza, delivered a speech that offered strength to participants. Among his remarks, he said, “I have no doubt that with G-d’s help, we will see hope and redemption. We have to raise the spirit of the people of Israel and triumph, without stopping the righteous war for one moment, and to believe in the virtue of our ways.”

Liebman also addressed the IDF soldiers, saying:

You are doing sacred work on behalf of the families of the captives. You must return the captives to us in a way that sanctifies, and not desecrates, G-d’s name; in a way so that the Nation of Isael will never again face murders or abductions. We want the hostages back as soon as possible, but we have a responsibility for the security of the people of Israel in future generations, and therefore we do not conduct deals with the enemies. We annihilate the enemies.”

One of the event’s initiators, Hadar Ben Eliyahu Weiss of Neve Daniel, told how she initiated the march from a sense of shared fate with our captive brothers and sisters who have been in Gaza for more than 100 days, and to give strength to the soldiers of the IDF and security forces fighting on the borders and protecting the communities:

“Our strength lies in standing together, in unity. We all wish for the swift return of the captives, and pray for the wellbeing of the soldiers and the injured. We are here; our spirit is powerful and strong, and we continue forward, raising our heads until we triumph, and giving strength to our soldiers and all the security forces who risk their lives for the people of Israel.”

Shlomo Ne’eman, Mayor of the Gush Etzion Regional Council:

“The decision to march along the Path of the Patriarchs symbolizes the path of our ancestors who marched with pride and determination for the purpose of inheriting the Land. The Path of the Patriarchs is the fusion of the history and the rise of Gush Etzion. By marching, we forge an eternal connection with Israel, and by gathering at the Lone Oak, we connect with the history of Gush Etzion and its legacy that is so important for reinforcing our spirit these days.”

Dear Residents,
This coming Friday we will all march together on Derech HaAvot. For the return of our brothers and sisters, the strengthening of our security forces and uplifting the spirit!

Everyone is welcome to come with a flag!
9:45- Gathering at Mekor Chaim (education compound before the entrance to Neve Daniel)- there is parking
10:00- March begins to the Alon HaBoded where there will be an assembly and speaker

Open to residents of Efrat & Gush Etzion. Registration and additional details-
https://forms.gle/dtyrfMYfzo8cWJQz8

Starting this Tuesday - WBM pop-up Beit Midrash program for men & women!
Sara Jo Ben Zvi will be teaching a fascinating 4-part series in the Zayit, on the topic: Back to 1948: Roots of the Current War.

The following series will cover the topics of Hasidic thought, the transition from Adar to Nissan, and great Zionist personalities.

Join for one or more series!
Click here for more details and registration: https://bit.ly/WBM_Tue_PopUp