The phenomenon intensified Monday evening with hundreds of youth seen at any given time lining the roads from Jerusalem to Ofra/Amona waiting to hitch rides.
The town of Ofra, adjacent to Amona, has turned its many educational institutions and public buildings into dining and sleeping facilities for the thousands of youth who have already arrived there. Monday night, popular Jewish rock singer Aharon Razael gave a concert atop the hill of Amona.
"I have never seen this many people in Ofra ever," said Ofra resident Rachel. "Everywhere you turn, there are packs of youth and activists walking in different directions, setting up to spend the night. There is a steady flow of cars entering the town from all over the country even at this late hour."
The IDF set up Monday night two roadblocks between Jerusalem and Ofra, but they have not received orders to stop or check cars. On Tuesday morning, cars were still getting through undisturbed.
The point of contention between the government and the local Amona residents is nine new permanent houses built on the southern edge of town. Some 35-40 families reside there in other homes which are not in dispute and are in no danger of being demolished.
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Monday that the 9 structures will be demolished Tuesday night.
Click here for a photo essay of the town of Amona
The town of Ofra, adjacent to Amona, has turned its many educational institutions and public buildings into dining and sleeping facilities for the thousands of youth who have already arrived there. Monday night, popular Jewish rock singer Aharon Razael gave a concert atop the hill of Amona.
"I have never seen this many people in Ofra ever," said Ofra resident Rachel. "Everywhere you turn, there are packs of youth and activists walking in different directions, setting up to spend the night. There is a steady flow of cars entering the town from all over the country even at this late hour."
The IDF set up Monday night two roadblocks between Jerusalem and Ofra, but they have not received orders to stop or check cars. On Tuesday morning, cars were still getting through undisturbed.
The point of contention between the government and the local Amona residents is nine new permanent houses built on the southern edge of town. Some 35-40 families reside there in other homes which are not in dispute and are in no danger of being demolished.
Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Monday that the 9 structures will be demolished Tuesday night.
Click here for a photo essay of the town of Amona