The Erez Walkway as it has become known, named in memory of terror victim Erez Shmuel HY”D, murdered at the site eight years ago, is the route taken by Chevron Jews to the Machpelah.

According to community leaders, about three weeks ago, the area military commander asked them not to use the path for a number of weeks to permit sewage line work. They of course accommodated the request, but are now angered and shocked to learn they were duped. Perhaps sewage work was carried out but what was not told to them is that the Arab homes that were sealed following the fatal attack have been reopened and refurbished thanks to UAE and EU funding, as the IDF prepares to permit the local PA (Palestinian Authority) residents to reoccupy the homes, which will place Jews walking to the Machpelah in a perilous situation.

Following the attack that claimed Erez’s’ life, the High Court permitted sealing the homes and windows of the structures to prevent the next attack, but now, that decision is being undone as the military opens the homes to Arab residents.

Learning what really took place during the past three weeks of construction, Chevron community leaders are demanding the homes be re-sealed but it appears their cries and concerns are falling on deaf ears.

The community has sent an urgent letter to the battalion commander, reminding him of the High Court decision from 2002, a decision that acknowledged the dangers to Jews if the homes along the path remain occupied by Arabs, also citing the reopening of the homes results in a serious compromise to their security as well as a major infringement on their rights and ability to visit the Holy Site.

Apparently, a week has passed since the letter was delivered, without results, and the community is now determined to escalate their battle, aware of the serious consequences of the military’s decision, which they also view as an act of contempt of court since it contradicts the High Court decision of 2002.

The refurbishing of the homes was done under the guise of sewage work, adding to the anger of community leaders, realizing the military commander simply lied to them.

Residents vow to launch a tenacious and unyielding battle, explaining this is their lifeline to the Machpelah and they cannot permit being cut off from the holy site under any circumstances.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)