September 2023 Heartland Highlight: Gush Etzion Yeshiva Security

The people of Gush Etzion are building a new Yeshiva campus and desperately need your help with security installments and equipment to protect their students and staff from terrorist harm. Your support for their vital security needs will enable security personnel to catch threats before they become full-fledged attacks. Your donation will help keep the Yeshiva’s new campus safe, so they can continue educating the next
generation of religious Zionist pioneers in Biblical Israel.


Donate now to protect students in Gush Etzion!

https://youtu.be/z7OcYR8DimA

In June 2014, on a Thursday afternoon, two Arab terrorists disguised as Israelis kidnapped three teenage boys as they were returning home for Shabbat from a week at the Mekor Chaim Yeshiva. Alerted by the boys’ parents, military and police forces launched an extensive search in the region. But as Shabbat approached with no news of the boys’ whereabouts, their mothers publicly beseeched Jewish People worldwide to pray for their boys’ safe return. In a show of global Jewish unity, Jews everywhere joined prayer campaigns for nearly three weeks, while awaiting news with bated breath. Tragically, their safe return never came.

Mekor Chaim is a religious high school and dormitory for boys in Kfar Etzion, known for educating boys with a deep love of the Bible and the Biblical heartland. The curriculum is very demanding, with daytime classes and numerous hours spent in small study groups in the afternoon and into the late hours of the night. For years, the Yeshiva buildings were temporary structures — old pre-fab buildings and converted mobile homes. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the yeshiva was granted a plot of land near the Path of the Patriarchs to build a new campus in memory of the murdered boys.

Construction is already underway, with the new campus slated to open in the Fall of 2023. The new site, in a remote area in Gush Etzion, is located adjacent to Road 60 – a central artery connecting the Arab cities of Hebron and Bethlehem – and close to the Arab village of Nachlin, a known hotbed for terrorists. Even before the completion of its construction, the new campus already suffered two terrorist attacks with burning tires, firebombs, and arson. Despite the constant looming threat, the religious Zionists of Gush Etztion remain steadfast in their commitment to settling their ancestral homeland. But they take the safety and security of their students and staff very seriously. The Yeshiva already hired a security officer, installed a security fence around the campus perimeter, and raised money to purchase surveillance cameras. But to prevent future bloodshed, there is still an urgent need to install and equip a security booth at the entrance to the Yeshiva, a secondary guard post in a vulnerable spot opposite the Arab Village, and a control room to monitor surveillance feed and manage emergency events.


Click here to provide security for yeshiva students

Scan to donate via Venmo:


If you prefer to donate via PayPal, please click this button to be taken to our PayPal donation page:


Click here to donate by PayPal

Related News

An Eye on Zion: Kochav Yaakov

Nestled just north of Jerusalem, Kochav Yaakov is a vibrant community inspired by Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira’s deep love for the Land of Israel. Founded by pioneers who followed in his footsteps, it is home to families from diverse backgrounds, united by faith, purpose, and a shared connection to Israel’s biblical heartland.
Read more about this special community and its rich spiritual roots.

Mar 3, 2025

The Evil That Surrounds Us

The heartbreaking return of hostages, the devastating story of the Bibas family, and the cruel reality of Hamas’ evil have shaken Israel to its core. This powerful article reflects on the pain of loss, the courage of survivors, and the urgent need for strength, security, and unwavering resolve. As Israel fights to bring every hostage home and ensure such horrors never happen again, the message is clear: we must stand strong—now and always. Read this emotional and insightful piece on Israel’s ongoing struggle and unbreakable spirit.

Feb 25, 2025

An Eye on Zion: Kiryat Arba

Perched beside the ancient city of Hebron, Kiryat Arba stands as a modern expression of deep biblical roots and unwavering pioneering spirit. Established in 1970 by devoted families led by Rabbi Moshe and Miriam Levinger, the community was born out of a historic return to Hebron just after the Six Day War. Today, Kiryat Arba is a thriving town filled with resilient families who embody a profound connection to their heritage and to the land.
Read more about the remarkable story of Kiryat Arba and its enduring legacy.

Feb 17, 2025

The Price We Pay for Caring

The recent hostage releases have gripped the hearts of Israelis and supporters worldwide. From the emotional return of young women soldiers to the painful uncertainty surrounding others still in captivity, this article explores the raw, complex emotions behind each moment — hope, fear, unity, and outrage. With Hamas manipulating the process and the nation divided over the cost, one truth remains: Israel must do whatever it takes to protect its people. Read this powerful and honest reflection on Israel’s struggle, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit.

Jan 28, 2025

A Week in Washington D.C.

The experience of participating in what could be one of the most pivotal moments for Judea and Samaria left an indelible mark on me. I want to share with you, my friends, the highlights of this extraordinary journey.

Jan 23, 2025

An Eye on Zion: Yakir

Set near the historic Kanah stream, Yakir was founded in 1981 by families devoted to reviving Israel’s Biblical Heartland. Named after the prophet Jeremiah’s “precious son” Ephraim, Yakir has grown into a thriving, welcoming community of 450 families, including many new immigrants. Rooted in prophecy and built on faith, Yakir stands as a modern testament to Israel’s restoration. Discover the story behind this special place.

Jan 13, 2025

Life in a Villa in a Jungle

It is hard to believe that another year has gone by—another year of seemingly unending war, tragedy, loss. There are still 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. While at least 36 have been murdered, it is not clear how many of the remaining 64 are still alive.

Dec 31, 2024

An Eye on Zion: Avigayil

High in the southern Hebron Hills, Avigayil was founded by a small group of brave pioneers on the eve of Yom Kippur, drawing strength from the biblical Avigayil’s courage and wisdom. Against all odds, this isolated community has grown into a symbol of resilience and unwavering dedication to the Land of Israel. Learn more about Avigayil’s powerful story of faith, sacrifice, and renewal.

Dec 9, 2024

Israel Welcomes Trump

What an astounding result in the US elections! While this regime change will have significant effect on many issues in the US, as an Israeli, I want to share with you my thoughts, which reflect the thoughts of so many in Israel, on how this change will affect Israel.

Nov 19, 2024

An Eye on Zion: Bet Hagai

On Friday evening of May 2, 1980, a group of students from Nir Yeshiva, located on the outskirts of the Biblical city of Hebron, excitedly headed to the Cave of Machpelah. There, they joyfully welcomed in the Sabbath with uplifting prayers.
That evening, however, terrorists threw grenades and fired bullets in the direction of the students, murdering three of them.

Nov 11, 2024