The rally comes over one year following the expulsion of nine families and a Torah study hall in memory of murdered infant Shalhevet Pass from their dwellings in the Mitzpe Shalhevet neighborhood. As will be recalled, the families agree to voluntarily vacate their homes as part of an agreement with the State, which promised that they would soon be able to return to their homes. Following their eviction, Menachem Mazuz, the Israeli Attorney General voided the agreement, saying that General Yair Golan, with whom the agreement was reached, lacked the authority to make the deal. This, despite the fact that Golan reached the agreement in full coordination with the Prime Minister's office and the Defense Minister's office.
Among those speaking at the rally were Rabbi Dov Lior, as well as Shlomo Slonim and Ya'akov Kastel, both survivors of the 1929 riots in Hebron. Also attending and speaking was Mr. Aharon Gozlan, who lost two family members in the 1929 slaughter. All three men spoke of their support for the Jewish community of Hebron and called on the government to return all stolen Jewish property to its rightful owners.
MK Aryeh Eldad spoke of the government's continued concessions to the Arabs, and specified Israel's abandonment of Temple Mount. "All concessions only strengthen the enemy." MK Uri Ariel spoke of the tremendous lack of security for Jews in Gush Etzion, where a father of three was murdered by two 18 year old Arab terrorists several days ago.
Also speaking was Tzafrir Ronen, director of the Nehalal Forum who declared: "The state of Israel exists due to merits of the historic connection to the City of the Patriarchs. The residents of Hebron ensure and maintain this connection.
Psalms and afternoon mincha prayers were recited at the conclusion of the rally.
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