On May 29, 2001, Gilad Zar, a security officer for the Samaria Regional Council and a founder of the community of Itamar, tragically joined the long list of thousands of terror victims who were slaughtered during the Second Intifada. That day, while driving in Samaria, Arab terrorists ambushed Gilad and fired dozens of bullets in his direction, causing his vehicle to overturn. Still not content nor satisfied, the bloodthirsty terrorists then walked to the car and shot Gilad in the head at point-blank range, murdering him in cold blood.
Heartbroken but steadfast, grieving relatives and friends of Gilad refused to allow his brutal murder to destroy their spirits. Resolved to carry on Gilad’s legacy and contribution towards restoring the Biblical Heartland, they committed themselves to establish a new community in his memory. In 2002, at an open area just south of where Gilad was murdered, “Havat Gilad” was founded with just two families living in tents. Over time, many other pioneering families moved to Havat Gilad, and mobile homes as well as permanent homes were built.
Almost 25 years later, Havat Gilad’s infrastructure remains largely underdeveloped, and its residents continue to face many serious security threats. Lacking a perimeter fence and located in proximity to a number of hostile Arab villages as well as the Arab city of Nablus (Shechem), the residents of Havat Gilad continue to put their lives on the line. Most recently, surveillance equipment donated by generous CFOIC Heartland donors for nearby Kedumim, helped the IDF track and apprehend terrorists who were directly threatening Havat Gilad.
While facing an endless stream of security threats, the valiant pioneers of Havat Gilad never wavered and continue to persevere against all odds. However, with tensions in the region remaining at an all-time high, the residents of Havat Gilad need your help to acquire security equipment that will help them foil attacks by their hostile Arab neighbors. Your donation will save lives and you will help the families of Havat Gilad preserve a cherished legacy of rebuilding the Biblical Heartland. Please protect the bold, devoted pioneers and children of Havat Gilad today!