Solders, Citizens at Joseph's Tomb - Samaria Regional Council
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The
morning prayer service and traditional second reading of the Book of
Esther for Purim, was led by Samaria Regional Community Council head
Gershon Mesika and Rabbi Uriel Genzel.
Of special note was the
participation of the Ephraim Brigade, commanded by Col. Ron Kahane, who
were lovingly welcomed by the residents of Judea and Samaria who
attended.
Kahane and his men were toasted and given the traditional "lechaim" blessing – to life!
Earlier,
when the first worshipers arrived at the tomb, they were shocked to
discover local Arabs had desecrated the compound. The inner walls of the
holy structure were painted with a large swastika and nationalist PA
graffiti was spray-painted in Arabic.
PA security forces have
allowed the tomb to be desecrated multiple times since Israel handed
Kifl Hares over to them, but recently claimed they would prevent further
desecration of tombs in their areas.
The worshipers brought white paint and tried to execute minor repairs to the tomb before the service..