The facts speak for themselves and the number of Jews living in communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron continues to increase, as is evident from the latest statistics released by the IDF. With the left-wing working to delegitimize the residents of Yehuda and Shomron, the White House and US Department of State calling them “stumbling blocks to peace”, and the PA threatening there can be no regional peace as long as Jews live in “occupied PA areas”, the residents and the communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron continue to grow.

Ideology and determination among many, accompanied by the economic realities and inability of young couples to purchase homes in shomer shabbos communities inside the Green Line are some of the factors contributing to the continued increase in the Jewish population throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

According to the IDF’s Civil Administration, as of June 30, 2009, there are 304,569 residents in Yehuda and Shomron, representing a 2.3% increase since January 1, 2009. The greatest growth is seen in the chareidi communities of Modi’in Illit (+1,879) and Betar Illit (+1,074). That amounts to a 4.5% and 3.1% increase respectively, as compared to a 1.75% increase in other areas of Yehuda and Shomron, which are primarily kippa sruga or non-religious.

The statistics do not include “unauthorized outposts”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)