A new community was established Wednesday night in Gush Etzion, as the first homes were placed at the site with the participation of Gush Etzion Regional Council Head Yaron Rosenthal.
The new community is located near Bethlehem, in the area of Shdema. This is a strategically important location which connects eastern Gush Etzion to Jerusalem and creates Jewish continuity between the developing communities of Gush Etzion. The site had previously housed an army base that was abandoned many years ago.
Gush Etzion Regional Council Head Yaron Rosenthal stated: "Tonight we established a new community in Gush Etzion at Shdema, Shadmot Beit Lehem, near Bethlehem. For 2,000 years, Jews prayed to return to Bethlehem, and here we are - we merited it. We have merited to return to the city of Rachel our Matriarch, of King David - a community that will strengthen the connection between eastern Gush Etzion and Jerusalem. Many thanks to our partners in Amana and the Council staff who worked here all night."
"Today we returned home, to Bethlehem. Congratulations to Gush Etzion, to the settlement movement, and to the new families who have established their homes in the town of Shdema. Praise be to G-d who allowed us to live to see this day.
"To Rachel it was said: 'Restrain your voice from weeping, your eyes from tears, for your children shall return to their borders.' And indeed, we have merited to return to Rachel’s border, and we are certain she is no longer weeping, but watching her children from above as they return to the city where she was buried. Today she is rejoicing greatly," Rosenthal concluded.