Part I
E. Initial Restoration Attempts - 1931

Following the riots and deportations, the reinnants of the Jewish community strove unceasingly to restore Jews to the city of their forefathers. One leading figure in these efforts, despite his own horrendous personal tragedy, was the aged Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Slonim, Chief Rabbi of Hebron, whose family was murdered in the riots. Many people shared his aspirations. Zionist leader Menahem Ussishkin wrote: “If the Jews do not return and resettle Hebron, it will become another Shechem and the Arabs will rejoice in their victory, celebrating their success in driving out the Jews by murder, robbery and theft. Hebron will become a purely Arab city, as they desire. This would be a fatal error on our part that will wreak maximum vengeance upon us, as in days to come, other Arabs will learn from those of Hebron, realizing that such attacks can annihilate Jewish settlements and banish Jews forever … It is inconceivable for the Jewish People to remain silent and agree to our removal from Hebron.

The need to return Jews to Hebron was understood by all who pursue justice and ethics, even non-Jews. Two Zionist Executive leaders, Arthur Ruppin and Rabbi Meir Berlin, visited Hebron after the riots and spoke with one of the British officials. To their question of whether the Jews ought to return to Hebron, the official responded that from his own point of view, of course, it would be more convenient were the Jews not to return to their homes, as peace and quiet would then prevail. However, he added, if he were a Jew, he would not abandon the city but would regroup and return, as it is a matter of honor for the Jewish nation.

After overcoming numerous obstacles, a group of families returned to Hebron in the spring of 1931. Heading this group of about 200 people was Rabbi Heiena Begaio, along with Avrahum Franco and Y Hasson. They remained in Hebron for about four years, exerting mighty efforts in the community’s development and consolidation amid hostile surroundings. But in April 1936, when new riots broke out, the British deported all the Jews. In the middle of the night, they were again loaded on trucks and ordered out of the city. Once again, terror triumphed, with the assistance of the ruling authorities, the British Mandatory Government, and the small and peace-loving Jewish community of Hebron was vanquished.

F. The Jordanian Conquest: Destruction of the Jewish Quarter

In 1948, the Jordanians conquered Judea and Samaria, including Hebron. The Jordanian authorities completed the annihilation of the Jewish community by physically destroying all remnants of Jewish life. The ancient Jewish Quarter was razed and a wholesale produce market, public toilets, trash collection center and municipal slaughterhouse were built on the site. The old Avrahant Avinu Synagogue was torn down and a sheep, goat and donkey pen was put up atop its ruins. Other Jewish homes were used as storerooms and livestock barns. Larger Jewish buildings, such as Beit Hudassah and Beit Romano, were used as schools by the Jordanian conquerors. The ancient Jewish cemetery, including its monuments to the martyrs of 1929, was totally destroyed. A vegetable garden and private home occupied the soil above the graves. Jewish tombstones were used as bricks to build fences and houses in the area.

G. Liberation and Restoration: The Establishment of Kiryat Arba

Hebron remained bereft of Jews for about 20 years. In 1967, after Jordan launched an attack on the State of Israel, several parts of the Land of Israel, the historic Jewish homeland, were liberatcd. The Arabs of Hebron feared revenge for the riots of 1929 and surrendered without firing a shot. The IDF Chief Chaplain, the late General Shlonro Goren, was the first to enter Hebron in a long vehicle, where he proceeded to the Cave of Machpelah and received the articles of surrender of the city of Hebron. This was the opportune time for Hebron’s children to return to their rightful boundaries forever. When the Government proved hesitant in its decision-making, a group of families organized to resettle Hebron, including, founder and leader Rabbi Moshe Levinget, then Rabbi of Moshav Nehalim. The group rented the Park Hotel from its Arab owner and arrived in Hebron for Passover in 1968. These settlement efforts aroused much interest and support and the settlers were visited by such outstanding personalities as the late Cabinet Minister Yigal Allon, who supported and helped considerably, the late Rachel Yanait Benzvi and representatives of the Land of Israel Movement, whose members included Natan Alterman, S.Y. Agnon and others. After the settlers had spent a few weeks at the hotel, the Government moved them to the Military Government Headquarters in Hebron. Here, despite adverse conditions and severe pressure, the group consolidated and grew. Various enterprises were established, as well as a yeshiva. More families joined them and a new generation was born. About three years later, the Government decided to build a Jewish neighborhood near Hebron, Kiryat Arba. First settled in 1971, Kiryat Arba grew rapidly and became the first major Jewish locality in Judea and Samaria. From Kiryat Arba, the settlement movement extended to other parts of the Land of Israel. It was here that the Elon Moreh group first took shape, the pioneer Gush Emunim group that sparked the inception of Jewish settlement in Samaria. By 1996, Kifyat Arba had a varied population of about 7,000 persons: religious and non-religious, veteran Israelis and new immigrants from many countries. The town has a small industrial zone. a shopping center and a wide variety of schools and public and community services.

H. Restoration of the Jewish Community of Hebron - Initial Attempts

Restoration efforts at the razed Jewish sites in Hebron constitute a fascinating chapter in the city’s history, suffused with determination and dedication. Even after the establishment of Kiryat Arba, the Jews aspired to return to Hebron and restore Jewish settlement. They realized that they could not overlook the horrendous results of the 1929 riots, nor accord victory to terrorism by perpetuating the resulting situation. Jews lived in Hebron for thousands of years and were driven from the city by brutal rioting. Now that Hebron is in our hands once more, it is inconceivable that we not be allowed to exercise our rights and rebuild the Jewish community, they claimed. Among the first to pave the way for the return of Jews to Hebron was an immigrant from Russia, a victim of the repressive Soviet regime, the late Prof. Ben-Zion Tavger, a well known physicist who could have developed a brilliant scientific career but instead chose to devote his life to the redemption of Hebron. In 1975, Prof. Tavger began clearing the rubble and filth from the sheep pen on the site of the Avraham Avian Synagogue. Although arrested several times, he persisted. In 1976, following an arduous and extended struggle, the Government allowed the remnants of the destroyed synagogue to be uncovered, but still did not permit Jews to pray at the site or rebuild the structure. The area was declared a closed military zone and all settlement attempts ended in confrontation and evacuation.

I. Settlement at Beit Hadassah

Beit Hadassah represents a decisive stage in renewing Jewish settlement in Hebron. The hospital building had been abandoned since 1967 and all attempts at settling there had ended in failure. Then, one night in the spring of 1979, a group of ten women and 40 children succeeded in entering the building from a back alley under cover of darkness. The Government decided to impose a closure on the building to prevent the influx of supplies and additional people, including the women’s husbands. The women and their children lived in the beleaguered and partially demolished building for about a year, under very haish conditions, without water and electricity, cut off from their families, struggling for their principles and aspiring towards fulfillment of their challenging but apparently attainable objective: Jewish settlement of Hebron.

The goal was only achieved in the wake of a tragic slaughter that took place one Friday night in May 1980. A group of yeshiva students on its way to Beit Hadassah for the customary Kiddush and Shabbat hymns, was attacked by terrorists who were waiting in ambush on the roof of a near by shop. Six Jews were shot and killed in this horrendous incident. It was only after the murders occurred that the Government finally decided to allow restoration of the Jewish Community of Hebron.

The Government decision enabled the Jews to build, renovate and restore some of the Jewish property in Hebron and to reside in the City of the Patriarchs once more.

J. Renewal of the Jewish Community - Roots and Restoration

Renovation, restoration and reconstruction work at Jewish sites created four principal blocs of Jewish settlement in Hebron:

The Jewish Quarter

The ancient Jewish Quarter was reconstructed and the restored Avraham Avion Synagogue is now an exquisite architectural masterpiece. The new homes constructed around the synagogue conform with the historic style of days gone by. Another new building is Betar House, providing a variety of educational activities, accommodations and headquarters for the moventent’s Nahal (Pioneering IDF) groups. The Jewish Quarter also houses the offices of the Jewish Community, the Municipal Council and the Association for the Renewal of the Jewish Community of Hebron. Nearby is a vast expanse of destroyed Jewish homes slated for future reconstruction. As of 1996, there were about 20 families living in the Jewish Quarter. The wholesale produce market, built on the ruins of the old Jewish Quarter, adjacent to the restored section, was officially closed in 1993 because it posed a security risk. So far, however no action has been taken to find a suitable alternative location.

Beit Romano and the Central Bits Station

Beit Romano was adapted to provide accommodations and classrooms for Yeshivat Shavei Hevron, with a Student body of over 200. The adjoining plot of land, that belongs to Habad, was used as a bus station during the Jordanian conquest. Once Jewish settlement was restored, it became a base for terrorist attacks. The station was moved to another location and the site serves as an IDF base.

Beit Hadassah Complex

Beit Hadassah was renovated and rebuilt, maintaining its original elements and style. The upper floors set up as residences and the basement houses a Hebron Heritage Historical Archives, the Midreshet Hebron public relations and tourist center, a memorial room to the victims of the 1929 massacre, library and other facilities.

The houses adjoining Beit Hadassall - Beit Hasson and Beft Castel - are named for their original Jewish owners who were slaughtred in 1929. Beit

Schneerson - the Habad Hasidic center - was also rebuilt and renovated for residential purposes. About 20 families now live in these buildings. In addition a daycare center was opened on the ground floor.

Admot Yishai (Tel Runzeida)

Most of the land on which the tel is situated was purchased by the Jewish Community of Hebron about 180 years ago. For generations, the Jews were deprived of most of their land, with only a few plots remaining in Jewish hands. In 1984, several families settled in temporary structures on one of these plots, with Government approval. Settlement on the remaining Jewish land, although vacant and approved for status assessment, is still being delayed for political reasons. Seven families now live at this site.

To the west of the tel is the ancient Jewish cemetery, where Jews have been buried for many generations, including outstanding rabbis and kabbalists whose graves are the focus of traditional pilgrimages. Jewish burial in the cemetery was prohibited by the Israel Government until the death of Avraham Yedidiya Nahshon, an infant who died in Kiryat Arba in 1975. His mother, Sarah, took the baby’s body in her own hands, walking past the roadblocks until she reached the cemetery and laid her son to eternal rest. In another section of this cemetery, the victims of the 1929 massacre are buried. The cemetery was destroyed by the Arabs after the Jordanian conquest and rehabilitated only after extensive efforts. In 1976, the remnants of Torah scrolls torn and desecrated by Arabs at the Cave of Machpelah were buried in the Hebron cemetery. The site is marked by a monument resembling a Torah scroll. Recently, Arabs desecrated the cemetery several times. In 1993 and 1994, several Kiryat Arba Hebron terror victims were buried there, including Mordechai Lapid and his son Shalom, Igor Gorgol, Ratael Yairi, Sarit Prigal, Nachum I-loss and Yehuda Partush.

To the southeast of the tel are tall and impressive ancient walls from the Era of the Patriarchs, uncovered in archaeological expeditions during tile 1960s. Other excavations at the tel uncovered various findings from the Canaanite Era and parts of the city from the First and Second Temple periods. On the eastern slope is Abraham’s Spring (Ein Jedida), a source of water for the ancient city. At the tel’s peak is an ancient fortress that offers a beautiful view of the Hebron Valley and the entire city. Jewish tradition declares this site to be the burial place of Jesse and Ruth, forbears of the House of David.

K. Years of Challenge

The years 1994 to 1996 brought Hebron into the focus of our struggle for the Land of Israel. The Hebron settlers face a challenge of faith and devotion. All the Jewish People Must withstand the test of loyalty to our ancestors and insistence of our rights to the City 0f Our Forefathers and Jewish settlement therein.

In September 1993 the Oslo Agreements were signed, according the PLO terrorist organization full atonomy throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza. The first stage of these Agreements was applied to Gaza and Jericho, where a Palestinian Police was set up, comprising terrorists who arrived from various countries. The Agreements also stipulated that the Israel Defense Forces must withdraw from urban centers and that a Palestinian Self Administration be set up, governing all aspects of life excepting security of Israelis living in Judea, Samaria and Gaza. As Land of Israel loyalists warned, acts of terror broke out and serious attacks were perpetrated in the wake of the Agreements.

There were numerous attacks, in the Hebron region, and several Jews were killed. In October 1993, Ephraim Ayoubi was killed while on his way to Kiryat Arba. Rabbi Haim Druckman, a passenger in Ayoubi’s car, was wounded by terrorist gunfire.

On November 15 of that year, Hebron resident Avraharn Zarbiv was attacked by three axe-wielding terrorists while on his way to the Cave of Machpelah. Seriously injured, his survival was termed a miracle.

The attacks continued using all means: knives, explosives and firearms. On December 7, 1993, Mordechai and Shalom Lapid, a father and son, were murdered at a road junction near the entrance to Kiryat Arba.

One week before Purim in 1994, Hamas Circulated handbills throuhout the Hebron area, stating that a major terrorist attack was about to take place. Arab residents were ordered to prepare provisions for an extended curfew. Emergency crews in Kiryat Arba and other Jewish settlements in the region were similarly instructed to prepare for a mass attack. On the Eve of Purim, as the megillah was read at the Cave of Machpelah, hundreds of Arabs stood by shouting “Allah is gpeat! Slaughter the Jews!” These savage slogans, well known from the riots of 1929, aroused chills and trepidation among all who heard them. The next day, Purim, Dr. Baruch Goldstein, a physician from Kiryat Arba who had treated dozens of terror victims and fatalities, entered the Cave of Machpelah and opened fire, killing 29 Arabs who were there at the time. The authorities ordered the building closed and imposed tin extended curfew on Hebron. Following this serious incident, rumors circulated that evacuation of Jewish settlement sites in Hebron was about to take place and the residents were to be evicted.

On Passover of that year, a mass rally was held in support of Jewish settlement in Hebron, with the participation of tens of thousands of Jews. The rally, originally due to take place in Hebron, was held in Kiryat Arba after the IDF refused to grant the necessary permit. Leaders of national movements and political parties declared they would object strenuously to any attempt at removing Jews from Hebron, Great rabbinic scholars determined that it was far bidden to obey any order that entailed evacuation of Jews from their land and their homes. Throughout Israel, “Hebron, past, present and forever” stickers were distributed, expressing loyalty to the Jewish Community of Hebron-Extensive and firm public opposition to mass evacuation of Jews because of one person’s misdeed helped to postpone plans for the moment, but a threat still loomed over continued Jewish presence in Hebron. Fulfillment of the Oslo Agreements and transfer of all parts of the liberated Land of Israel to alien terrorists and invaders is liable to place the lives of tens of thousands of Jews at risk, especially in Hebron, where over 500 Jews live fit the heart of an area populated by hostile Arabs, many of whom identify with the murderers of 1929 and are still plotting to destroy the Jewish People.

The Campaign to Reopen the Cave of Machpelah

In 1994, a public campaign was launched to reopen the Cave of Machpolah for prayers. The site was closed since Purim 1994 and no one was allowed to approach except for representatives of the Muslim Waqf. The Jews, barred even from the site of the seventh step, held prayer services in the open air, outside the Tomb of the Patriarchs, throughout the closure period. Outdoor Sabbith services were conducted weekly, morning and evening, including Seuda Shlishit, the traditional third Sabbath meal, previously served inside the building. Even on Festivals and the High Holidays, the Jews were not allowed inside the Cave of Machpelah building, so that Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services were held outside as well. In the summer and fall of 1994, thousands of Jews came to Hebron to express their loyalty to the Patriarchs and Matriarchs and their identification with the Cave of Machpelah, attending mass prayer rallies on Rosh Hodesh Elul, First Selihot night and the Fast of Gedalia. A major public assembly held during Hol Hamoed Sukkot of that year attracted tens of thousands of Jews to the entrance of the Tomb of the Patriarchs, despite the numerous restrictions imposed.

Aftet Purim 1994, a Commission of Inquiry was set up to study the incidents at the Cave of Machpelah, headed by Justice Meir Sharrigir. This Commision noted the number of attacks and tragedies affecting the Jews of Hebron and Kiryat Arba, especially over the preceding year. These, however, had no moderating effect on their condemnation of Dr. Goldstein’s actions. The Sharrigar Commission determined that Jewish and Muslim services at the Cave of Machpelah should take place at different times. The Government acted otherwise, however, imposing strict and permanent physical separation of Jews and Muslims within the building, an approach that the Commission had rejected outright. The Government decision imparted a majority of the area of the building to the Moslems, and denied the Jews the right to visit and pray at in the Hall of Isaac, the largest and most significant room in the Cave of Machpelah building. Furthermore, the premises were closed at night, precluding any possibility of nighttime Jewish services, including such special prayers as Tikun Hatzot, Selihot, etc. The munbet of Jews allowed inside at any one time was strictly limited, forcing many to pray outside the building, even on Shabbat and Holidays. These decisions, that seriously detract from Jewish rights to our ancestrat legacy, have aroused serious opposition. The public struggle is expected tocominue until the rights of the Jewish People at the Tomb of the Patriarchs are duly restored.

L. The Campaign to Save Hebron

In the political process, that most Jews believe to bode ill, the Jewish Community of Hebron stands on the front lines. Besides constituting air unthinkable abandonment of the Jewish homeland, IDF withdrawal from urban centers in Judea aid Samaria is liable to have severe consequences in Hebron. All Jews loyal to their nation and land, who represent a majority of the Jewish People, must stand up and be counted to halt these ominous developments.

In 1995, when the Oslo B Agreements were signed in Taba just before Rosh Hashana, the fate of Hebron appeared to have been sealed. The IDF was to withdraw from 85% of the area, essentially forsaking national ,security and the lives of local Jews, as well as the safety of the hundreds of thousands of Jews who visit the Cave of Machpelah and other holy sites. At the time, all out protests and warnings were nothing but a lone voice in the wilderness. The Israeli authorities signed the Agreement hastily and irresponsibly, ignoring senior military officers who warned of its consequences. The mad clash to sign the document, together with Arafat, before the holidays led to a series of ominous decisions. The Bethlehem bypass road is only one example: Paved in haste to enable Arafat to make his triumphal entry into Bethlehem on Chrisimas, it was constantly plagued by collapse, rockslides and other dangers.

The withdrawal (”redeployment”) map of Hebron, too was fraught with grave errors, such as relinquishing high ground and abandoning the Jewish cemetery and other holy sites (the Tomb of Othniel, Abraham’s Oak, etc.). The Jewish community of Hebron was left as a narrow enclave surrounded by hills and completely under the control of territory to be handed over to terrorists. These issues were brought before top political leaders, but to no avail.

The Palestinian Authority elections on January 20, 1996 exposed the true situation of Hebron: only 20% of eligible Arabs voted; the remainder boycotted the elections, mostly because of identification with Hamas. This development too apparently had no effect on security decisions. Just before the elections, IDF evacuation of large sections ofthe Hebron region, except for areas populated by Jews, was equally foreboding. Once the elections were over, vast sectors of the city were left with little military presence. Armed terrorists spread out all over Hebron, firing nightly barrages. Warnings were referred to the relevant Authorities and subsequently even to the media. Absurdly, while hundreds of terrorists fired incessantly and freely throughout Hebron, undeterred even by cameras, the Israeli security forces raided the home of a Kiryat Arba resident late one night and arrested him in front of his entire family on suspicion of “thinking about shooting at Arab houses.” Obviously, this was a false arrest and he was released the next morning.

The assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on November 4, 1996 was exploited by the left for incitement against the entire fighting and religious public. The evacuation of cities in Judea and Samaria - Jenin, Shechem, Tulkarm, Rethlehem, Ramallah and Kalkiliya - proceeded swiftly and smoothly. The PLO entered cities in the Land of Israel as the victor. Israeli flag’s were burned and desecrated. The situation was obviously headed for a major explosion, but no warning light could open the Government’s eyes. The approaching date for evacuation of Hebron was like a warning sign at the brink of a dangerous abyss.

The awakening was bitter and painful. A series of attacks in March 1996 rocked the entire Country. From then on, people realized that vigorous, determined action was essential to stop the withdrawal from Hebron, The watchword at the time was “Don’t give Hamas a prize.” As most Arab residents of Hebron identify with Hamas, IDF withdrawal and departure from the city would effectively mean abandoning it to the terrorists.

Notices to this effect were printed in newspapers such as Yediot Aharonot and Haaretz with the signatures of dozens of professors and rabbis from all over Israel. A map was drawn up detailing the withdrawal plan and exposing the perils it portended. Those who examined the map were horror stricken.

At the same time, delegations of Knesset Members and senior IDF officers visited Hebron and assessed the security risks. Representatives of Hebron and public officials discussed the matter with great rabbinic scholars, Hasidic leaders and representatives of all religious factions, who appealed to the Prime Minister to postpone withdrawal from Hebron until after the elections. A series of mass events was held in Hebron, attracting tens of thousands of Jews who expressed their identification with these demands and stood proudly in support of Hebron. Major public figures joined the campaign, including prominent philanthropist Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak Gumick of Austialia, emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe for the integrity of the Holy Land. His generous assistance was essential to the extensive range of rescue work. Through his generosity, the Gutnick Center was established in Hebron visitors and hospitality center that serves as the focus of Jewish life and activity at the closest spot to the Cave of Machpelah, dedicated in it public ceremony during the Intermediate Days of Passover, 1996. Rabbi Gutnick’s devoted activity on behalf of Hebron was a key factor enabling the Jewish Community to persevere during the most difficult hours.

The mass rally held during the Intermediate Days of Passover was a turning point. Tens of thousands of people poured into Hebron, filling the halls and entrance plaza of the Cave of Machpelal, touring the Jewish sites in Hebron and bearing a message that was powerfully received by its target audience. According to IDF reports, about 25,000 people visited the Cave of Machpelah that day, not counting the thousands who were unable to enter or could not even reach Hebron because of serious problems on the roads. The highly impressive rally was addressed by several dynamic speakers, including Knesset Members Ariel Sharon, Moshe Peled, Rehavarn Zeevi and Hanan Porat and Ariel Mayor Ron Nachman, who called for redoubled efforts. The Hebron Jewish Community Council and the Rescue Task Force then decided to bring thousands of Jews to Hebron for an Independence Day March.

The march was arranged within a very short time in all outstandingly complex organizational mission. The Kirat Arba Municipality provided the infrastructure, route, stage and more. Singer Dedi Grauchet volunteered to perform for participants.. The National Religious Party helped publicize the event and the match was successful and impressive. Despite the moining rain, thousands marched thiough the Judean Hills that day, waving the Israeli flag proudly. A concluding assembly was held at the Cave of Machpelah, with the participation of Knesset Members and key public figures, including NRP Chairman Zvulun Itaturner, Moledet Chairman Rehavarn Zeevi, Likud Knesset Member Michael Eitan, Rabbi Zefania Drori representing northern Israel (fighting was their in progress on Israel’s northen border) and others.

Activity momentum continued: municipal authorities and the Rescue Task Force in Hebron and Kiryat Arba, together with parents committees at all schools, decided to hold a one-day strike of all local institutions and to attend a mass protest rally in Jerusalem under the slogan: “Withdrawal from Hebron Mean’s abandoning security.” Meetings were held with Knesset Members, calling for a special session to block withdrawal from Hebron.

The strike proved successful, as thousands of Kirat Arba - Hebron residents shut down all local institutions and proceeded to Jerusalem to demonstrate and protest. The Knesset, then in recess, converted a spccial session to discuss Hebron.

The day’s events were exceptionally orderly, concluding with a mass rally in downtown Jerusalem to focus public interest on Hebron. The next day, the Hebron Community Council met with the Rescue Task Force to plan further activities, such as a Lag B’Orner match to the Tomb of Othniel. Some doubts were raised, as the public had already been invited to Hebron several times over the past few weeks. Nevertheless, the campaign was launched and a Lag B’Orner event was held in Hebron. The results were effective indeed despite the reservations expressed and the short time available forplanning. Within 24 hours, posters were planned, printed and pasted up all over Israel. Thousands of people marched to the Tomb of Othriel, keeping Hebron prominently on the map.

A mass Hebron hospitality weekend was planned for the Shabbat coinciding with the date of Hebron’s liberation, Iyar 29, with the cooroperation of all the city’s Jewish residents. The Cave of Machpelah and the streets of Hebron teemed with a broad cross-section of idealistic Jews. Public prayers inside and outside tire Cave of Machpelah were heart warming. Then, the thousands of worshippers heard encouraging news: On Friday evening, Israeli security forces captured a dangerous terrotist, Hassan Salaruch, known as Engineer No. 2, who was directly responsible for attacks in which dozens of Jews were killed and was then on his way to plan further assaults on central Israel. His Capture was possible only because the IDF maintained control of all the streets of Hebron. Many residents of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem owe their lives to the firm stand of Kiryat Arba and Hebron residents who prevented withdrawal from Hebron. The spot where Salarneh was captured is included in the 85% of the city that would have been turned over to the terrorists. Had we not been there, this mass murderer would now probably be planning another massive attack in Tel Aviv.

The elections of May 29 were a faleful contest to decide the future of the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. Supporters of Hebron joined the campaign devotedly, knowing that the destiny of the City of the Patriachs was to be determined. A few days before the elections, the slogan “Netanyahu is good lot the Jews” was widely circulated at the initiative of philanthropist Rabbi Yosef Yitzhak Gutnick, effectively leading to the turnabout in election results. A Jewish National Government was established, but the struggle is still going on. We have made significant progress, but most ofthe battle is still before us. We will continue to maintain presence and pray at the Cave of Machpelah, confident that He who remembers the grace of our ancestors will redeem their desendants swiftly and will rebuild the Land of Israel, the entire Holy Land, especially Hebron and Jerusalem, for our eternal salvation.

Not withstinding all these hardships, the Jewish Community of Hebron is gaining material and spiritual strength. Despite a Government freeze on construction, the rebuilding of Beit Schneerson was completed thanks to an extensive public fund-raising campaign with the participation of thousands of Jews from all over Israel and the Diaspora. Another story was added to Ben Romano for use by Yeshivat Shavei Hevron. The Gurnick Center - Hebron was established near The Cave of Macphelah. Additional families have joined the community even though conditions are especially harsh in Hebron, where a series of Government orders - including a ban on building homes and the purchase of housing and land - has long hampered construction and development. In the public arena, Hebron has become a symbol. Dozens of cities and towns in Israel have held rallies expressing support of and identification with Hebron, with the paiticipation of many thousands of Jews, including a broad cross-section of public leaders. Hebron’s position on the front lines in the struggle for the Land of Israel, downplayed in homile media coverage, inspires numeolus manifestations of support and sympathy. Jews throughout the world know that reinforced Jewish presence in Hebron Call halt the dangerous political process and constitute a turning point for the salvation of the Land of Israel and the entire Jewish People.

M. Trends for the Future

Settlement efforts in Hebron seek to consolidate, expand and develop the Jewish Community. Increasing the Jewish population and redeeming the City of the Patriarchs from its devastation constitute a national mission and historic obligation for all the Jewish People. Jewish presence also bolsters the entire region’s security, as it prevents terrorist organizations front takinge control of Hebron as they have done in other cities and villages in the Land of Israel. To realize these objectives, the construction of additional Jewish neighborhoods is planned, as well as redemption and renovation of Jewish homes, establishment of public institutions and job development.

The mission of Abraham, father of the Jewish nation, the first to settle in Hebron, has not been completed. Our work must continue despite all adversity. The Hebron Community is fulfilling this mission on behalf of the entire Jewish People, returning to the City of our Forefathers, from which we derive historical depth and moral and intellectual strength to carry on our struggle for the redemption of the Jewish Nation and the Land Of Israel.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2001 and is filed under history.