Netzer celebration.
Netzer celebration.Women in Green

 

Hundreds of people came from throughout Israel for the independence celebration at the Netzer hill, organized by Women for Israel's Tomorrow (Women in Green) out of solidarity with the activists who are struggling to rescue the location from an Arab takeover.
 
After the speech by MK Ze'ev Elkin, Israel Prize laureate and former MK Geula Cohen recited the "Shehecheyanu" blessing, thanking G-d for having enabled her to be part of the struggle for Eretz Israel (the Land of Israel), from before the establishment of the State of Israel to the present. 
 
Rabbi Gideon Perl, the Gush Etzion regional rabbi, said that in every generation there are pioneers who go before the camp, and this is true of those who struggle to save the lands at Netzer.
 
The event at Netzer began after the fireworks from all the communities of Gush Etzion had fallen silent. Dozens of cars filled the parking places at the foot of the Netzer hill. The entire hill was illuminated by torches and spotlights. Looking from below, this seemed to be a settlement that had been established in a day. And indeed, within 24 hours, the hill became a place brimming with life. Automobiles and jeeps unloaded equipment for the event: generators, chairs, a stage, a sound system, gravel to improve the paths. The place wore a festive appearance with the dozens of Israeli flags that blew in the wind of the Judean hills. Guides directed people to the top of the hill. For those who had difficulty in climbing up, a jeep stood in readiness to shuttle them to the top.
 
Already on the way up, the smell of felafel filled the air, and when the celebrants reached the hill top, they could enjoy hot, fresh felafel that was prepared on the spot, hot coffee and cookies, and the music of Udi Gefen and the Israelim band. 
 
12,000 at Samaria event
In Samaria, over 12,000 people celebrated Independence Day at a central event at the base of the Samaria Brigade (Bahad 3).
 
Many officers and their families came to celebrate along with local families. The event was co-organized by the Samaria local authority and the IDF.
 
The IDF prepared a particularly impressive display that included jeeps, tanks, a police sapper with a robot and a demonstration by the Unit for Extrication and Rescue.   
 
Photos from Samaria event: Ishi Chazani / Samaria local authority