Twenty-one years after the evacuation of northern Shomron communities, families began returning Sunday morning to Sa-Nur, moving into caravans in the first phase of efforts to reestablish the community.

At this stage, 16 families have settled in the area, including members of the Dagan, Goldmintz, and Zuckerman families. Additional families are expected to join in the coming months as part of a broader plan to rebuild the town.

Trucks carrying furniture and supplies were seen making their way up the mountain, a powerful image for many, symbolizing a reversal of the evacuation—this time returning home.

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, who arrived with his wife Oriah and their children, described the moment as historic. “This is a great moment for every Zionist who loves this land, and certainly for us, who dreamed of this moment and fought hour by hour against the terrible and immoral folly of the expulsion,” he said.

He added, “This correction is a moral one not only for us but for the State of Israel. When a mistake is made, it must be corrected—and today we are privileged to see that happen. This is both a national and personal closing of a circle. It fills the heart to see the trucks making the journey in the opposite direction from the evacuation, to see children once again running along the paths, and life returning. We did not come here as guests—we have returned home to stay forever. We are building a thriving community that will illuminate the entire region. This is a significant first step toward restoring life to all parts of northern Shomron and rebuilding with pride and strength. The Jewish people live, and Sa-Nur lives again thanks to the unwavering determination of these remarkable families.”

Residents themselves expressed deep emotion over the return. Chana and Meir Goldmintz, who moved in Sunday, said, “Our hearts are burning with joy. After 21 years of anticipation, a dream is being realized. We are rebuilding Sa-Nur and returning to the expanses of northern Shomron. For 21 years we dreamed, hoped, and worked for this moment—and now it has arrived. We are now at the beginning of the next stage: to continue forward, to carry these historic moments on our shoulders, and, with G-d’s help, another region will become Jewish. We can hardly contain the excitement.”

Yitzchak Zuckerman, a member of the returning group, added, “There are no words to describe the emotion and the dedication of these dear families. The story here is the tremendous embrace we have received from the Jewish people over the past month, the incredible strength it gives us, and the understanding that it is the Jewish people as a whole returning—not just a small group of individuals choosing to settle in a place with a certain history.”

{Matzav.com}