Youth from all over the country were on their way to Gush Katif for the Sabbath when they heard the tragic news of Rabbi Arama's death at the hands of terrorists. The Katif Youth Council and the regional Cultural Center organized a special Gush Katif Sabbath for tonight and tomorrow, with the various communities hosting some 1,200 students from yeshiva high school and ulpanot (girls' high schools) throughout Israel. Eran Sternberg, spokesman for the Gaza Coast Regional Council, said that the message of the Sabbath would be "mutual responsibility and help, and the youth's strong spirit that plays a leading role in the struggle for the Land of Israel." Local families will host the guests in their homes, with arrangements for homes, buses, publicity, and even the band tomorrow night - which has been canceled in light of today's news - all arranged by local youth.
Regional Council head Avner Shimoni said that on the Sabbath when Jews around the world read the Torah portion recounting Jacob's blessing to his grandsons, "we are confident that with G-d's help, Jacob's words about redemption, blessing, and angels (Gen. 48, 16) will find expression in the form of these wonderful young angels who are coming to tell the world, 'Gush Katif forever!'"
Regional Council head Avner Shimoni said that on the Sabbath when Jews around the world read the Torah portion recounting Jacob's blessing to his grandsons, "we are confident that with G-d's help, Jacob's words about redemption, blessing, and angels (Gen. 48, 16) will find expression in the form of these wonderful young angels who are coming to tell the world, 'Gush Katif forever!'"