Today, eleven years after the expulsion from Gaza and N. Shomron, 29% of the former 8000 residents of Gaza are still not living in permanent homes and 14% of the expellees are unemployed. The poll was conducted by the Rafi Smith Research Center, including 248 former Gush Katif residents, released on Tuesday, 16 Tishrei 5777.

Half of the expellees believe that one day it may be possible for them to return to Gaza and 70% of them state if given the opportunity, they would return, 30% still view themselves residents of Gush Katif, 45% miss the community they once lived in while 34% miss the surroundings and weather. A mere 4% explained they do not miss anything from their former lives.

Israel expelled about 8,600 Jews from Gaza in the so-called Disengagement Plan carried out by the Ariel Sharon administration.

Baruch Hashem 66% report that they have successfully rehabilitated their lives and 71% feel they succeeded in relocating. However, 29% of the expellees still view their current home as being “temporary”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)