Three Traditions One Land and a Shared Future in Rechalim

With flags flying and spirits high, hundreds of Israelis gathered this evening in the Samarian community of Rechalim for an emotional cornerstone-laying ceremony. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Settlements and National Missions  Orit Strock, and Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan joined residents to mark the launch of three new synagogues – Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and Yemenite – that will stand side by side at the heart of the town.

“A living return to our land and our roots”
More than just a construction project, the event marked a bold statement: Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria is not only here – it is growing, thriving, and reaching deeper into the land.

Minister Smotrich, also representing the Defense Ministry, emphasized that this is what Israeli strength looks like. “The cornerstone for these synagogues in Rechalim is a living return of the Jewish people to our land and to our roots. We strengthen the settlements, the spirit, and Jewish identity – not through talk, but through building, unity, and faith. Step by step, we move forward toward sovereignty.”

“Where they tried to uproot us – we planted deeper roots”
Minister Orit Strock echoed that message with a tribute to the pioneers of Rechalim. “Every place they tried to uproot us, we planted deeper roots. We came to salute the heroes who founded Rechalim in defiance of every obstacle, and through their dedication brought governments along with them. Now, this government is taking up the mission – to build new communities and to apply sovereignty to our homeland, which belongs to us, and to us alone.”

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, announced the council’s goal to raise 2 million shekels for the project, with support from donors in Israel and abroad. He shared a powerful memory: “I first came here in the summer of 1998 with Rehavam Ze’evi and Rabbi Binyamin Elon. Back then, Rechalim was a few tents. Today, it’s a living jewel. I tell the children – just as we built Rechalim, you will keep building the Land of Israel. And with God’s help, we’ll bring millions of Jews home and secure full sovereignty.”

“A prayer, a promise, and a people who build”
Rabbi Daniel Sharshavsky, spiritual leader of Rechalim, reflected on the deeper meaning of the day: “We prepare the vessel, tuning the strings of our hearts toward a life of holiness. Through this preparation, may the Divine Presence rest among us, now and forever.”

Community Chairman Yitzhak Horowitz summed up the event with heartfelt pride: “This is the dream of generations – coming true before our eyes. We’re building three synagogues, in proud Jewish craftsmanship, and continuing to strengthen Rechalim – just after finishing our new kindergartens. This is what the Israeli spirit looks like: building, believing, and never giving up.”