Biblical Zionism inspired the founding of the first modern community in Samaria just over 50 years ago, and the story of its beginnings reveals much about the early settlement movement. In 1967, in the midst of the Six Day War, Jordan attacked Israel and Israel responded, liberating the entire “West Bank.” The Biblical territory of Judea and Samaria was once again united with the rest of Israel. The Israeli government at the time was hesitant about settling this newly acquired area, but a group of devoted and Biblically-oriented Israelis, guided by the ideals of biblical Zionism, began a grass-roots movement to settle the land. Kfar Etzion was the first community to be settled, founded in 1943, fell in 1948 to the Jordanians, and then re-established in 1967. A few other communities were established in the following years, but none in Samaria.
In early 1975, an IDF base on a strategic mountain overlooking what would become Ofra was in need of a fence. Members of the fledgling settlement movement realized this was the opportunity they were looking for. They got themselves hired as fence builders and after a few weeks of difficult travel between Jerusalem and the army base, received permission to settle in abandoned Jordanian Army barracks nearby. Soon after, their families joined them. What began as temporary quarters for temporary employees became the first Jewish community in Samaria. They named the community Ofra, after the Biblical community of the same name (Joshua 18:23).
A Jordanian building in Ofra, 1975
In September of that year, I arrived in Israel to study Bible in Jerusalem. I had just finished high school and decided to take a year off in Israel before starting university. Each week, we had a half-day field trip somewhere not far from Jerusalem, where we learned more about a specific area, its Biblical and modern significance, its history and geography. In November 1975, we visited Ofra. A few families lived in very primitive conditions but they had an unbelievable sense that they were making history—and they were! Our teacher pointed out that we could join this community. Of course, I was only 18 and far from settling down anywhere, but I stored the impression in my heart and in my mind.
When I returned to Israel in 1984, we needed to live closer to Tel Aviv for job opportunities. So we chose to live in Karnei Shomron instead. But I also reserved a special space in my heart for Ofra.
On Thursday, Ofra will be holding a major event to celebrate 50 years since its founding and I received a VIP invitation to join the event. The VIP part is thanks to you by the way — I am representing you, our dear Christian friends, in showing support for Ofra and for all the communities in Judea and Samaria. And indeed, you have done so much to help Ofra over the years. Our flagship project in Ofra has been Heart of Benjamin, an amazing program for special-needs children. But we have also provided vital security and emergency equipment to this town for many years.
Modern day Ofra
Last week, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu visited Ofra to pay his respects at this significant time. He had visited the community 25 years ago and had planted a tree then, pledging to return to Ofra for its 50 year anniversary. He kept his promise and visited the tree which he had planted then. Netanyahu remarked: “This tree symbolizes the deepening of our roots in our homeland and the raising of our branches higher and higher, exactly as we promised. I commend you for being, in essence, the spearhead of our continued existence in our land.”
Settlement Movement leaders responded by reiterating their desire for full Israeli sovereignty in Ofra and throughout Judea and Samaria. More than ever, we understand that a clear statement of rights and ownership over the Land of Israel is the best defense against our enemies and aligns with the principles of biblical Zionism.
The settlement movement, from its inception, has combined clear Biblical ideology with political realism. But we have never let our realism weaken our ideological convictions. Sometimes, we needed to be patient, progressing slowly with baby steps. At other times, we made leaps toward our goal. What began as a handful of dedicated pioneers settling communities such as Kfar Etzion, Alon Shvut, Mechola, Kedumim and Ofra, has become a massive movement, supported by the Israeli government. Today, more than half a million Jews live in some 150 communities, towns and cities in Judea and Samaria. We do not yet enjoy full sovereignty but we will not let that delay hamper our efforts to grow.
Flowers blooming in Ofra
When I participate in the festivities in Ofra on Thursday, I will thank G-d for all that we have accomplished since April 1975, when the temporary laborers settled in a temporary labor camp. I will thank G-d for the blessings He has allowed me to see and experience since that cold November day in 1975 when I first visited Ofra. I will thank G-d for you, our dedicated and generous Christian friends, who have supported Ofra and so many other communities for so many years. You are truly our partners in advancing the ideals of biblical Zionism and settling the Land of Israel. Join me as we celebrate Ofra and continue the mission inspired by biblical Zionism! Join me as we pray for good tidings in the Land of Israel.
August 26, 2025
Sondra Oster Baras
