It has been over a decade since Yeshivat Chomesh returned to the former northern Shomron community in the hope of rebuilding that which was destroyed by the government of Ehud Olmert, in the so-called Disengagement Plan of 2005.

The Jews were ousted from Chomesh and nearby SaNur, as well as from Gaza, but Olmert’s vision of peace was quickly replaced by Islamic terror and rocket attacks into southern Israel.

In a recent attack, PA (Palestinian Authority) residents directed their destruction against Yeshivat Chomesh, on Monday night the eve of 27 Iyar. This is not a regular yeshiva since the IDF does not permit the talmidim to reside there or leave anything. Hence, they bring everything each day, and fold up at day’s end. It is located on the ruins of what was once Yishuv Chomesh.

PA residents in the area were taking part in a rally in support of imprisoned terrorists participating in a hunger strike, another one of their so-called Day of Rage. They broke into Chomesh and set the site ablaze, resulting in significant damage to the beis medrash building.

MK (Bayit Yehudi) Betzalel Smotrich said the arson attack is yet another sign the government should act towards Israel’s return to the areas destroyed as a result of the expulsion. “Each place we leave becomes a terror base and attacks against holy sites”.

Smotrich calls on the prime minister to act, to authorize the return to Chomesh and provide the necessary security.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)