American Friends of Judea and Samaria launched an emergency fundraising campaign in the United States this week to help rebuild homes and businesses destroyed in a fire that struck Havat Gilad. The campaign announcement followed a visit to the damaged community by AFJS CEO Yigal Dilmoni, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Havat Gilad CEO Shira Ben Pinhas, American social media influencer Gabriel Boxer, and others who surveyed the destruction and met with residents.
The fire, which authorities suspect was deliberately set, destroyed 15 homes and 10 businesses, damaged more than 30 structures, and forced about 100 families to evacuate. Firefighters deployed dozens of crews to bring the blaze under control. Two Palestinians were arrested in connection with the incident, Israel Police said.
The fundraising effort aims to mobilize Jewish and Christian supporters of Israel in the United States to assist displaced families. AFJS said the campaign will finance temporary housing for affected residents before supporting reconstruction of destroyed homes and businesses.
Residents described escaping with minimal possessions. During the tour, the delegation met residents including Yael Shevach, whose home was destroyed, and Ilana Shimon, who said she escaped wearing only her Shabbat dress.
Dilmoni said the community's residents deserved support. "Havat Gilad is named in memory of Gilad Zar, of blessed memory, a dear friend and remarkable individual who was murdered by terrorists near this place," He said. "The pioneers of Havat Gilad are representatives of the entire Jewish people, standing on the front lines against constant threats and challenges, and now they are facing this devastating disaster as well."
"It is our responsibility to stand with them, strengthen them, and help them return to their homes and continue building their community," He added.
Dagan has said there is "very strong suspicion" That the fire was an act of arson, citing evidence that a burning object was thrown from a moving vehicle into dry vegetation before the blaze spread rapidly.
Havat Gilad, established in 2002 in memory of Gilad Zar, a security coordinator murdered in a Palestinian terrorist attack, has frequently been targeted by terrorist attacks and acts of vandalism.