Against the backdrop of the massive fires on Independence Day—some deliberately set by Arabs—residents from dozens of hilltop communities across Judea and Samaria gathered yesterday (Monday) at the Oz Zion outpost in the Binyamin region to prepare for the expected wave of summer arson attacks. Dozens of fire extinguishers, leaf blowers, and other firefighting gear were distributed to hilltop volunteers, who often serve as the first responders in the battle against arson terror.
Arson terror returns with the summer
As in previous years, the summer begins with renewed threats of arson, damaging grazing land and areas near communities. While the Independence Day fires around Jerusalem were unusually large, hilltop residents regularly contend with intentional fires—allegedly set by terrorists from nearby Arab villages. Due to their distance from formal army and firefighting forces, these residents often act independently and are frequently the first to arrive at the scene.
Dozens of kits distributed based on risk level
In the absence of an official response, the Hilltop Fund led the initiative, distributing equipment valued in the hundreds of thousands of shekels. The gear was allocated based on each hilltop’s assessed threat level, its prior involvement in firefighting, and its ability to assist neighboring communities. The distributed equipment included blowers, extinguishers, fire beaters, and protective gear.
“We’re seeing how a dedicated and properly equipped volunteer network can act quickly and decisively where official systems don’t exist at all,” explained Yehuda Liber, one of the organizers. “We’ve seen in the past how a swift response from boys with gear can stop a fire in its early stages and prevent disaster.”
“They’re the first at the line of fire, charging into the flames with dedication”
According to the organizers, the fight against arson terror is not only about protecting lives and property—it’s also part of the broader struggle over the land.
“As long as there is arson terror isn’t uprooted, you’ll always see them—the hilltop youth—reaching the fire line first, charging into the flames with determination and dedication,” said the organizers.
