Sound The Trumpet : Opposed to Migron Demolition

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“Opposed to Migron Demolition”
by Arutz Sheva Nov. 6 2008 - Hillel Fendel
November 6th, 2008

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided this week to adopt a proposal to "relocate" the community of Migron to an area near Adam. The residents refuse to move, however, and rabbis and thousands of potential active opponents support them.

Migron, an "unauthorized" hilltop town in the Binyamin area of Samaria (Shomron), is home to some 45 Jewish families. It is situated in a strategic location - overlooking the highway leading from Jerusalem to the Binyamin towns of Beit El, Ofrah, Shilo and others, and also straddling the entrance roads to Tel Tzion, Kokhav Yaakov and Psagot. Adam is further south, closer to Jerusalem.

Migron: Jews Return to the Land of Israel

Aided and abetted by the far-left Peace Now organization, several Arabs of the Palestinian Authority sued in the Supreme Court, claiming that some of the land on which Migron was built is theirs. The residents brought evidence that they had purchased lands there. Outside the courtroom, they further claimed that their presence there is, in all likelihood, the first instance of human residence in the area for centuries, and that the government has full authority to confiscate the land in theinterests of the Jewish People's return to their homeland.

Furthermore, the town's construction was rushed along and encouraged by many national and local government offices. In particular, a road was paved, caravans and playgrounds were stationed at the site, security was provided, and other government help was administered. Several public institutions and offices are operative in Migron, including a Leumit Health Fund clinic, a branch of the Binyamin Council Library, three nurseries, and more.

The welcome sign at the entrance to Migron announces the community's mission statement: "Migron, a communal town, was founded on the 19th of Adar 5762 [March 3,, despite difficulties - out of the belief in the Eternity of Israel. The force that drives us is the knowledge that the unity of Nation, Faith, and Land brings peace and redemption. Welcome."

Testing Ground for All of Yesha

The Supreme Court, however, ruled early this year in the Arabs' favor, and demanded that the Jews leave - though the latter had noted that the nation's highest court is not the proper forum to judge cases of private disputes over ownership. Backed by supporters throughout Judea and Samaria, the residents stated that they would not leave of their own volition. A community newsletter of several months ago stated, "We are the testing ground for all the residents of Judea and Samaria vis-a-vis the government's weakness. We are the first stone in the dam - but it is within our power to prevent the fall of the entire dam."

An attempt to destroy Migron at the end of 2003 fizzled out when it became clear that thousands of people would arrive on the scene to oppose the destruction. The government's fears of out-of-control violence were proven right two years later in Amona, which involved the destruction only of nine houses, most of them unoccupied.

Violence is Feared

Seeking to avoid another violent confrontation between security forces and lovers of the Land of Israel, a proposal was formulated to "relocate" the town. The Binyamin Regional District secretariat rejected the plan, though the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities of Judea and Samaria accepted it - on two conditions: The new town near Adam must be built before Migron is removed, and that the residents must have their own say in the matter.

Some Yesha elements argued in favor of accepting the proposal as a way of easing the pressure. "Let's agree now, and if the new town is ever built, we'll talk then," was the prevailing attitude.

Rabbis: Relocation Does not Permit Destruction

The Yesha Rabbis Council, headed by Kiryat Arba/Hevron Chief Rabbi Dov Lior, issued a proclamation after the Olmert-Barak decision of this week, stating, "In light of rumors of the desire to destroy Migron, we repeat once agin that it is in no way permitted to destroy any type of Jewish community in the Land of Israel even under the guise of relocation, and thatthe entire Land of Israel belongs only to the People of Israel, and that it is prohibited to lend a hand in any way to the exile of Jews and the destruction of their towns. In addition, it is also dangerous for national security... Please follow the announcements regarding calls to come and help Migron, and come to the 'aid of G-d against the mighty' (Judges 5,23)'".

A similar call was issued by the Ichud HaRabbanim, the Union of Rabbis for the People of Israel and the Land of Israel, headed by Rabbis Zalman Baruch Melamed and Nachum Rabinowitz. They noted that the "Torah gravely forbids giving over any part of the Land of Israel to foreigners, and this applies even if another town will be built as a result."

In addition, the rabbis declare, "Justice demands equal treatment between the towns of Judea and Samaria and the kibbutzim and other towns in Israel located on abandoned Arab lands ever since the establishment of the State. Migron was recognized by Israeli governments that have invested in its infrastructures, education, and more, and encouraged people to live there. To remove them is unethical, illogical, and against the word of G-d."

Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13