Despite the threat of expulsion hanging over the heads of some residents, 81% of residents of the Shomron express satisfaction with living in their community.

The survey was conducted by Magar Mochot headed by Professor Yitzchak Katz last month involving 1,072 respondents, all residents of yishuvim in the Shomron Regional Council to assist the regional council in determining the level of satisfaction among its citizens.

Residents were asked to rate the performance of the regional council when they seek assistance and services and 85% expressed satisfaction. The council has in the paced year placed an emphasis on improving in this area.

When asked if they are satisfied with their communities, 74% responded they feel safe or very safe.

The council invests a great deal of time, money and resources in lobbying politicians and PR in general. 93% of the residents feel this is important and should be continued in the future. 93% responded they are also pleased with the council’s handling of the many new immigrants from France.

96% prefer a policy of chessed including food distribution once monthly and for yomim tovim, a policy that has been adopted by the regional council. 74% of respondents are satisfied with the overall performance of the council in the past year and 92% feel council leader Yossi Dagan is headed in the correct direction.

Prof. Katz conducts such surveys for councils and municipalities nationwide. He points out the level of satisfaction with the Shomron Regional Council is among the highest in Israel as well as the number of residents expressing a feeling of security despite the security threats facing them.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)