Before Gush Emunim, There Was HaShomer HaTzair

On February 14, 1947, the HaShomer HaTzair movement founded its new kibbutz, Revadim, in Gush Etzion and at the founding ceremony a declaration was read out:

The Declaration reads, in part:

Listen O Nahalin!  Listen to the voices of your sons!  We have come unto you this day, to find in you a homeland, and a home.  At a time when from our shores just last night, persecuted brothers were expelled when but on the previous day hundreds of hands knocked on your gates.  Hundreds of eyes sought you out and hundreds of hearts were broken at your beaches.

You shall see the land from afar  --- that is the edict of the alienated regime.  From afar you shall come but you will not enter it.

Expulsions and strangling edicts will not overcome us.  A persecuted nation will find its way despite all obstructions that are put up to block it.  A nation requires a homeland.  The desolation of this country can only be cultivated by our hands for this is the mighty power that has stood by us.

Nahlin, receive us to your bosom as a mother for unto you we have returned, your sons.  To find in you a homeland and home...

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You're Invited

Just received this:-

Dear Residents,

After many years of anticipation, and countless efforts with government offices we are happy to finally announce:

The Opening of the Jerusalem - Gush Herodion Highway.
(bypass Zaatra road)

The Highway will open this Friday 17 of Elul, August 31, at 6am.

We will meet Friday morning at 7:30am by the army base adjacent to the Herodion (right turn by the traffic circle), and travel together in a "festive" convoy to Jerusalem. A"Lechaim" and short ceremony will be made at the Mizmoria junction, the gateway to Jerusalem. Joining us will be those responsible in the construction of the highway and others who assisted us in finally opening the highway.

In the first stage the highway will be open daily from 6am-6pm only. We are continuing to work together with the IDF to extend the hours. Please join us in celebrating this special event together this Friday. And most important drive safely!

Shaul Goldstein
Mayor
Regional Council Gush Etzion