A major event that is expected to attract thousands is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 Nissan, chol hamoed Pesach in the northern Shomron, in the former community of Chomesh. The latter was one of the communities uprooted by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as part of his 2005 Disengagement Plan.

Seeking to prevent the major event, Peace Now leader Yariv Oppenheim has turned to Mifal HaPayis lottery authority officials asking them to withdraw their sponsorship of the event.

Shomron Regional Council officials explain the event is billed as ‘the’ main chol hamoed event in the area, with the approval of the IDF, adding that even though Sharon uprooted Chomesh, the area remains under total and exclusive Israeli control. Officials extended an invitation to Oppenheim to join the others in celebrating the day’s yomtov event.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)