A fire that broke out during Shabbat in the Samaria community of Havat Gilad has left all families without shelter, according to community reports. Businesses were destroyed and Torah scrolls were saved in the last moment. The community is calling for immediate assistance.
As of Saturday night (23:09 Jerusalem), community reports from Havat Gilad indicate that the fire that swept through the Samaria settlement has left all families homeless, destroying every home and business. Torah scrolls were rescued from the synagogue at the last moment, according to the community. A fundraising campaign has been launched for immediate relief.
Earlier Saturday, at 16:21 Jerusalem, The Zioneer first reported the fire, initially with 6 homes destroyed and a firefighter injured. Within the same hour, the toll was updated to 10 homes, then to 13 homes, with the entire community evacuated and over 40 firefighting crews and aerial aircraft battling the blaze. By 22:00 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the fire had also destroyed the home of Yael Shevach, widow of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was murdered in a shooting attack eight years ago.
The fire in Havat Gilad, which started during Shabbat, is under investigation by a joint team from the police, fire services, and IDF. The community, which has faced security challenges in the past, is now calling for urgent assistance. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
9 developments
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- DevelopingSmotrich visits fire-hit Havat Gilad, orders immediate property tax review
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