When our enemies tell us we can't live, expand, or build in Judea and Samaria, it becomes clear why the struggle for a Jewish Shdema is so important. Despite and because of the pressure to put the brakes on Jewish settlement of the Biblical lands of Judea and Samaria, efforts to rebuild Shdema, north of Gush Etzion, continue. In addition to the frequent events held there over the past two weeks, a packed schedule is planned for the coming month. 

This past Friday, dozens of people came to Shdema to listen to Rabbi Shlomo Kimchi's class on the signs of Redemption.

This past Sunday, June 28th, three Knesset Members of the National Union party arrived at Shdema for a tour. Their delegation included MKs Dr. Aryeh Eldad, Uri Ariel and Yaakov Katz (Ketzaleh), as well as others prominent activists. They were hosted by Gush Etzion Mayor Sha’ul Goldstein, and members of the Committee for a Jewish Shdema/Women in Green.

This coming Friday, Rabbi Tzvi Rimon, founder and chairman of JobKatif – an organization dedicated to helping expelled Gush Katif residents find work - will be talking on the meaning of mourning and destruction. The traditional “Three Weeks,” in memory of the destruction of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem 2,000 and 2,500 years ago, begin next week.

Shdema, located between Jerusalem and eastern Gush Etzion, was the site of a Hasmonean fortress 2,000 years ago, served as a Jordanian army base between 1948 and 1967, and was an IDF base until two years ago. After the IDF abandoned it, government officials began planning to give it to the Palestinian Authority as the site of a new Arab town. When Gush Etzion residents and others heard, they immediately began a series of actions designed to nip the plans in the bud – and turn the area into a Jewish town instead.

As of now, the situation can be described as stalemated, with the hilltop under Jewish control – largely because of the activists’ efforts – and ongoing illegal Arab construction at the foot of the hill.

The struggle for a Jewish Shdema encapsulates the struggle for the entire Land of Israel.

The pro-Shdema people say the Arab have been aided and funded by organizations such as CURE and US-AID in illegally constructing a park at the bottom of Shdema, on Israeli-controlled land.

Beginning next week, the Land of Israel loyalists will redouble – for at least four weeks - the already intense pace of activities at the site.  Next Thursday’s events, beginning at 5 PM, include lectures on the historical-geographical background of Shdema and on the writings of Holocaust-victim, Torah scholar and Land of Israel lover Rabbi Yisachar Teichtal, a fast-breaking meal, and the screening of a the movie "Katif Dream." Friday morning will see a lecture on the Jewish Revolt of more than 1,800 years ago.

The following Thursday’s events begin at 6 PM, and include two lectures and a play, followed Friday morning by classes in self-defense, building, and the weekly Torah portion.

“At a time when our enemies tell us we can't live, expand, build or breathe in Judea and Samaria,” the organization states, “it becomes clear why the struggle for a Jewish Shdema is so important. The struggle in Shdema encapsulates the struggle for the entire Land of Israel.”