Havat Gilad
Havat Gilad is a Jewish community in Samaria established in 2002. It is characterized by its pioneer spirit and resilience, recently becoming a focus of national solidarity following a devastating wildfire and ongoing security challenges.
Havat Gilad is a community located in the heart of Samaria, established in 2002 in memory of Gilad Zar, the security coordinator of the Shomron Regional Council who was murdered by terrorists. For years, the community existed as an unauthorized outpost, facing multiple evacuation attempts and legal battles before receiving government recognition. It has become a symbol of the pioneer spirit and the struggle for Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria. In July 2026, Havat Gilad became the center of national attention following a catastrophic wildfire. The fire swept through the community on a Saturday, destroying approximately 30 buildings and leaving dozens of families, including 84 children, homeless. Among those affected were reserve soldiers who had served extensively in the Gaza Strip, such as Yishai, a Givati fighter whose home and family business were lost while he was away on duty. The scale of the destruction prompted an immediate response from the Israeli public, with fundraising efforts collecting millions of shekels to support reconstruction. Beyond the fire, the community remains a focal point for security incidents; most recently, on Friday July 24, 2026, the IDF confirmed reports of a shooting incident in the vicinity, which remains under investigation. The community continues to balance its growth with the persistent threats of nationalist arson and armed attacks in the Samaria Brigade sector.