The Jewish population in the Jordan Valley is growing once again. A sure sign is the imminent completion of two new nurseries and six day-care centers in various communities, something that has not occurred there in several years. Dubi Tal, head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council, says that many new families have moved to the 19 communities of the area this year. "Many of them are religious," he said, "but actually they are also indirectly strengthening the secular public as well, as many of the younger generation who left out of despair now see the growth and are beginning to return." 3,500 people live in the 19 Jordan Valley communities.
Asked if his Council is trying to encourage Gush Katif residents to move in, Tal said, "We will not build ourselves on the ruins of another part of the land... Many of our residents are taking an active part in the struggle against the withdrawal from Gush Katif."
Asked if his Council is trying to encourage Gush Katif residents to move in, Tal said, "We will not build ourselves on the ruins of another part of the land... Many of our residents are taking an active part in the struggle against the withdrawal from Gush Katif."