Strengthening Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria
The Australian Jewish Association teamed up with Chabad Double Bay to host an event focused on strengthening the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.
Lital Slonim, director of foreign relations, Nachala Movement
Dr David Adler, President, Australian Jewish Association
Bobby Brown, Vice President, Ariel University
Adrian Traeger, director of donor relations, Ariel University
The AJA has partnered with Ariel University, the only university in Judea and Samaria.
Ariel University vice-president Bobby Brown told the gathering of the unique challenges the university faces, as well as the amazing growth it is undergoing. He spoke about the new medical school and its large Arab and minority student body. Ariel University has the most Ethiopian students of any university in Israel. With 17,000 students, Ariel University is the largest Israeli institution in Judea and Samaria and its continued growth is crucial for the region’s development.
AJA President Dr David Adler introduced Lital Slonim, director of foreign relations for the Nachala Settlement Movement, which is dedicated to building Jewish communities across Judea and Samaria. Slonim painted a dire picture of the situation on the ground. The Palestinian Authority is undertaking a systematic land grab with the aim of cutting off Jewish communities. The European Union and other foreign groups pump tens of millions of dollars annually into illegal construction and Israeli authorities have been slow to act. Some attendees were surprised that these developments have been largely unreported by international media.
Slonim described some of the work Nachal does towards establishing Jewish communities. The Israeli government’s recent decision to approve the community of Evyatar is thanks to the work of Nachala.
Nachala is working to reclaim the word ‘settlement’, as they proudly champion the idea of settling the land. Not long ago, this pioneering spirit was found all across Israel, as the early Zionist settlers bought and developed barren land. Nowadays, it has become a dirty word and Nachala is working to change that.
In response to a question from the audience, Slonim revealed that Jews from around the world, including some in Australia, are involved in purchasing land across Judea and Samaria. The Nachala movement has a goal of purchasing millions of acres of land in order to safeguard it for the Jewish people.
i find it interesting that Ariel University keeps coming here round every 9 b,Av to collect money. last time i attended such a meeting i raised the question why they don’t go to the Gollan. as it is the place where the the Talmud was written and it was undisputed territory, no answer. i got the impression it is a deliberate irritant not to get a settlement prate