Shalom, friends. As someone deeply rooted in our Jewish heritage and unapologetically Zionist, I often find myself reflecting on the landscapes that shaped our people’s story. Today, let’s dive into the profound significance of Judea and Samaria – what the world calls the “West Bank,” but what we know as the cradle of our nation. This isn’t just land; it’s the beating heart of our history, faith, and future. From the promises in the Torah to the harsh realities of modern security, settling these hills isn’t optional – it’s imperative. Join me as we explore why.
A Historical Tapestry Woven in Stone and Soil
Let’s start with the basics: Judea and Samaria aren’t some peripheral territories; they’re the epicenter of Jewish history. Biblically, Judea refers to the southern region around Jerusalem, named after the tribe of Judah, while Samaria encompasses the northern hills, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Israel. This is where our ancestors walked – Abraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron (in Judea) to bury Sarah, and it’s the resting place of the patriarchs and matriarchs. Jacob dreamed of the ladder to heaven in Beit El, Joseph was buried in Shechem (modern-day Nablus), and Joshua led the conquest right here in these mountains.
Historically, these regions were the core of the Jewish kingdoms. After the split following King Solomon, Judea housed the southern kingdom with Jerusalem as its eternal capital, while Samaria anchored the north. Even after exiles and conquests – from Babylonians to Romans – Jews maintained a presence here for millennia. The Maccabees fought for freedom in these hills, and the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden in Judean caves. Fast-forward to the 20th century: When Israel reclaimed these areas in the 1967 Six-Day War, it wasn’t occupation – it was a homecoming to our ancestral heartland. Ignoring this history is like denying the roots of a ancient olive tree; it weakens the entire structure.
The Torah’s Call: Settling the Land as a Divine Command
From a religious standpoint, Judea and Samaria aren’t just significant – they’re sacred, mandated by the Torah itself. The Almighty promised this land to Abraham and his descendants forever: “To your offspring I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7). This includes the hills of Judea and the valleys of Samaria, explicitly part of the inheritance divided among the tribes. The mitzvah of yishuv ha’aretz – settling the Land of Israel – is a core commandment, emphasized by sages like Ramban (Nachmanides), who called it a positive biblical obligation.
Why settle specifically here? The Torah warns against leaving the land desolate (Leviticus 26:32-33), and prophets like Ezekiel foretold the return: “I will take you from the nations… and bring you into your own land” (Ezekiel 36:24). Settling Judea and Samaria fulfills these prophecies, transforming barren hills into thriving communities – vineyards in Shiloh, schools in Ariel, synagogues in Efrat. It’s not about politics; it’s about heeding Hashem’s will. As Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook taught, every inch reclaimed strengthens our covenant. In a world that questions our right to exist, building here affirms: This is ours, eternally.
Moreover, the Torah views the land as integral to Jewish identity. Without Judea and Samaria, Israel loses its spiritual center – places like Rachel’s Tomb or the ancient synagogue ruins in Susiya remind us of our unbroken chain. Settling isn’t expansionism; it’s redemption, turning exile into ingathering.
Security Imperative: High Ground Means Survival
Now, let’s talk brass tacks – security. In our volatile region, geography is destiny, and Judea and Samaria provide Israel’s vital backbone. These mountain ridges overlook the coastal plain, where 70% of Israelis live. Controlling them prevents rocket fire or invasions from the east, as the Jordan Valley acts as a natural buffer. Remember Gaza? When Israel withdrew in 2005, it became a terror launchpad. The same could happen here if we cede control – Iranian proxies and Hamas affiliates are already embedding in Jenin and Tulkarm.
Settlements aren’t obstacles; they’re sentinels. They create a Jewish presence that deters attacks and enables rapid IDF response. As Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted, Judea and Samaria are a “central arena” of threats, requiring robust settlement for security. The high ground offers strategic depth: Without it, Israel narrows to just 9 miles wide at points, vulnerable to bisecting attacks. Building here isn’t ideological luxury; it’s national survival. More Jews in Samaria mean more eyes on the ground, more deterrence, and ultimately, more peace through strength.
A Call to Embrace Our Heritage
In closing, Judea and Samaria aren’t “disputed territories” – they’re the soul of Israel. Historically, they’re where our story began; religiously, settling them honors the Torah’s commands; securely, they safeguard our people. As Zionists, we must advocate for sovereignty here, building communities that echo our prophets’ visions. Let’s stand firm: Am Yisrael Chai in our eternal heartland.
What are your thoughts? Share in the comments, and tune into the Bein Olamot podcast for more on our unbreakable bond to the land. Shalom!