Winter 2014

Engaging With the Land at Sussya’s Yeshiva High School

Sussya’s Yeshiva High School for Environmental Studies offers the students ahands-on outdoor learning curriculum that fosters a deep attachment to God,His creations, and His land. Every rock, every flower, and every path is a lesson about Biblical Israel.

As the boys study the Bible about their forefathers who walked this same land, the Scriptures come to life and help them internalize their people’s history and spirituality.

But some students come from poor families who can’t afford to provide their childrenmwith basic supplies and personal needs. Let us provide them with what they need sonthat one day they can make a significant contribution to Israel’s future.

Stand Up For Israel Request your complimentary paper copy of this Nahala

The Courage to Encourage: Father Gabriel Naddaf

When CFOIC Heartland Director, Sondra Oster Baras described him as “one of the bravest men I have ever met” we knew we had to learn more about this Greek Orthodox priest. Father Gabriel Naddaf has been called one of the greatest and most inspirational spiritual leaders in Israel as he combines wisdom with courage, and expertise in Scripture with emotional intelligence. Father Naddaf is the spiritual leader of the Forum for the Enlistment of the Christian Community. Defining himself as an Arabicspeaking Christian, he believes that the fate of the Christian minority in Israel is intertwined with that of the Jewish State. For years, he has encouraged young Arab Christians to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces, as he believes they, too, should take responsibility for the safety and security of Israel.

Most Christian Arabs who enlist in the IDF are subjected to scorn and even violent attacks by their Muslim neighbors. The forum not only promotes enlistment and recruits Christian soldiers, but accompanies them through their entire army experience, strengthening them as they stand up to Muslim harassment while working with the army to ensure a smooth acculturation.

Pioneers in Our Day

Vered Ben-Saadon: Planting Vineyards on the Mountains of Samaria

…The Ben-Saadon’s began with a small vineyard spread across 5 acres of land, yielding a mere 1,200 bottles of wine. Today the vineyard has expanded across 37.5 acres and yields approximately 23,000 bottles annually. Samaria is optimal for grape harvest because of the climate conditions here. “Snow is wonderful for the grapes,” explains Vered, referring to the recent snow storm that hit Judea and Samaria, causing many residents, including her own family, to lose power. “We were thrilled for the grapes, but not as thrilled for ourselves!”

Since its establishment, the winery has enjoyed amazing success, and Tura Wines have received a number of prestigious awards. Just over a year ago, the Ben-Saadons had the privilege of welcoming Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. But success is not what motivates the Ben-Saadon’s to run their business in Samaria. “We are based in the region not for the money, but for the love of the land.”

Give Thanks!

I want to thank you for your dedication and generous contribution towards the Senior Citizens Center in Kedumim. Your support was much needed and proved to be vital in bolstering this project, and moving it forward.

Since the establishment of Kedumim, 37 years ago, we have been privileged to have great Christian friends visit with us in Israel, and support us from all over the world, and they have helped us build our community. We knew then, and we know now that there are many lovers of Israel, who truly care for our well being. You stand beside us in building our country, and you demonstrate to us that we are not alone in our effort to strengthen the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria…

An Eye on Zion: Kochav Yaakov

Just over a century later, a group of devout pioneers sharing the same love and passion for the Land of Israel, founded a new community just north of Jerusalem. Drawing their inspiration from Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira, they named it “Abir Yaakov,” the same venerated title that was used to address the late Rabbi during his life. Subsequently renamed “Kochav Yaakov,” (“Star of Jacob”), the community has absorbed many Jews who, like Rabbi Abuhatzeira, left their respective countries of birth to live in the Land of Israel.

Mar 3, 2025

The Evil That Surrounds Us

As we watched the return of what we thought were the bodies of four beautiful Israelis, we wept with the families and with all of Israel. Shiri Bibas and her two gorgeous red-headed children, Kfir and Ariel — their story and their pictures traveled the world and became the symbol of the evil and cruelty of the Hamas terrorists.

Feb 25, 2025

An Eye on Zion: Kiryat Arba

On April 4, 1968, Rabbi Moshe and Miriam Levinger, a visionary couple, registered themselves and dozens of others to stay at Hebron’s Park Hotel. Just ten months after the People of Israel liberated Hebron and the rest of the Biblical Heartland during the Six Day War in 1967, this dedicated group excitedly planned to hold the city’s first Passover Seder in several decades.

Feb 17, 2025

The Price We Pay for Caring

What an emotional roller-coaster! Last Sunday and again this past Saturday, we waited with baited breath to see which hostages would be released and what they would look like. It had been more than a year since the last hostage release, and no one knew what their condition would be.

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

The pioneers named the nascent community “Yakir,” meaning “precious,” the precise Hebrew word used by God to describe His “son,” Ephraim (Jeremiah 31:19).

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

Drawing their inspiration from the Biblical figure Avigayil (Abigail), Elisha and his friends decided to establish a new community in the southern Hebron Hills. They parked an old bus on a plot of land facing Maon, the ancient Biblical site where Avigayil lived.

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