A fire that destroyed dozens of homes in the Samaria settlement of Havat Gilad on Saturday evening has left many residents without shelter. Two Jewish residents were reported performing the Havdalah ceremony, marking the end of Shabbat, after losing their homes and livelihood. A fundraising campaign has been launched to support the affected families.
In the aftermath of the devastating fire that swept through Havat Gilad on Saturday evening, two Jewish residents were reported performing the Havdalah ceremony, marking the end of Shabbat, after losing their homes and livelihoods. A fundraising campaign has been launched to support the affected families, according to community reports. The ceremony, a symbol of resilience, came as residents grapple with the loss of dozens of homes in the Samaria settlement.
The Zioneer reported on Saturday afternoon that the fire initially destroyed at least six homes and injured a firefighter. As the blaze intensified, the number of destroyed homes rose to 10, then 13, prompting the evacuation of the entire community. By Saturday evening, reports confirmed that the incident was an arson attack. Community members managed to save Torah scrolls from the flames, though all families were left without shelter.
The Zioneer also reported that the fire destroyed the home of Yael Shevach, the widow of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was murdered in a shooting attack eight years ago. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited Havat Gilad on Saturday evening, holding a situation assessment and ordering an immediate property tax review and an investigation into the fire's source, as The Zioneer reported. The fire is part of a broader increase in arson attacks in Judea and Samaria, which The Zioneer has covered in recent weeks.
The investigation into the arson attack is ongoing. The full extent of the damage, including the exact number of homes destroyed and the status of the injured firefighter, remains under assessment. The fundraising campaign continues, with the community calling for sustained support to rebuild.
9 developments
- ConfirmedYael Shevach, widow of terror victim, loses home in Havat Gilad wildfire
- DevelopingFirst Havdalah ceremony held in Majdal Zon, Lebanon
- DevelopingFirefighters contain Sela'it wildfire; evacuated residents returning
- DevelopingSmotrich visits fire-hit Havat Gilad, orders immediate property tax review
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