A new Israeli community was established overnight (Thursday) in Gush Etzion, with the first homes placed on site in the presence of Gush Etzion Regional Council head Yaron Rosenthal. The community, named Shdema, is located near Bethlehem.
This is a highly strategic point that links eastern Gush Etzion with Jerusalem, creating a continuous Jewish presence between the expanding Gush Etzion communities. The site previously served as an IDF base that was abandoned many years ago.
Gush Etzion Regional Council head Yaron Rosenthal said: “Tonight we established a new community in Gush Etzion — Shdema, near Bethlehem. For two thousand years, Jews prayed to return to Bethlehem, and today we merited it. We have returned to the city of Rachel our Matriarch, to the city of King David — a community that strengthens the connection between eastern Gush Etzion and Jerusalem.
“Thank you to our partners in Amana and to the council staff who worked here all night. Today we came home to Bethlehem. Mazal tov to Gush Etzion, to the settlement movement, and to the new families building their homes in Shdema. Shehecheyanu, for reaching this moment.
