The Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau, visited the yeshiva in the evacuated town of Homesh in Samaria on Wednesday, gave a lecture on the Talmud to the students, and toured the outpost together with Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan and the head of the yeshiva Rabbi Elishama Cohen, who was indicted in the past for being at the site illegally.
Earlier this week, the government notified the Supreme Court that it intends to work toward the recognition of the yeshiva at the site and to amend the Disengagement Law as it applies to northern Samaria. The Court responded by issuing an order instructing the government to provide an answer within 90 days as to why the outpost in northern Samaria has not been cleared of "construction and infiltration of bodies that do not hold rights to the land."
While in Homesh, Rabbi Lau told the students, "I have had the privilege of being in contact with you several times, including when there was a need to fight for the sanctity of this place and of the Torah scrolls."
The Chief Rabbi described how, as he traveled from Shavei Shomron to the spot where Yehuda Dimentman was murdered, he visualized the journey made by Dimentman that night and how his friends drove for twenty minutes while trying to apply pressure to his neck in an attempt to staunch the bleeding and save his life. "The thought shook me," the rabbi told the students, and he praised their "dedication to holding on to Homesh" while placing themselves in danger on the roads leading to Homesh every single day.
"I wanted to come here after the murder of Yehuda Dimentman, but I was unable to. Fortunately, I was able to come today," said Rabbi Lau, adding, "Here, I met people who love the land, love their home, love G-d's Torah, and out of love for the Jewish People are here in the place from which one can see 'west, east, north, and south.' May G-d continue to help you to flourish here."