Judea and Samaria: under siege but standing strong – and you can help!

For many people, the words ‘Judea and Samaria,’ evoke images of right-wing Jewish extremists stealing land that doesn’t belong to them. This picture is false on so many levels, but it goes to show just how successful the anti-Semitic propaganda put out by Israel haters and BDS activists around the world has been.

The truth is that the Jewish claim to Judea and Samaria dates back to the days of the Patriarchs. Abraham bought a piece of land in Hebron. This was where he buried his wife Sarah, and later where he and the other patriarchs and their wives were buried. Beit El was the site of Jacob’s famous ladder dream. Shechem was the first place Abraham stopped after reaching the Promised Land.

The list of ancient Jewish connections to Judea and Samaria goes on. Far from being a modern occupation, the Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria is old as Judaism itself.

After the War of Independence in 1948, the Jewish communities were forced to flee from their homes in Judea and Samaria. However, less than 20 years later Israel liberated these territories in the Six Day War and brave Jewish pioneers returned to dwell in their ancient homelands.The story didn’t end there, though. The Jewish communities living in Judea and Samaria continue to face fierce battles every day. The threat of terror is never far away and there’s not a town in Judea and Samaria that has not been touched by violence and hostility.

Due to the security situation, many Jewish businesses in Judea and Samaria are not able to get insurance. This leaves them vulnerable to huge financial losses if something goes wrong. Recruiting staff is also a major problem due to the dangerous work environment. One of our producers recently told us that he has to carry a firearm to defend himself from possible attacks every time he wants to harvest his olives.

As if this reality wasn’t hard enough, the communities in Judea and Samaria have to contend with the lies spread by anti-Israel movements like BDS.

The Jewish artisans and producers that Lev Haolam supports in Judea and Samaria often struggle to find international markets for their goods because of BDS. That’s why it makes such a difference when you sign up to receive a box of these quality products each month.

Together we can help counter the effects of BDS and show the courageous Jewish pioneers living on the front line in Judea and Samaria that they are not alone.