The bustling seminary in Beit El, a stone building of tall windows and sharp angles, is more than the town’s focal point; it is a symbol of what Israeli settlers hope will be a new era in their relationship with the US.
About 6000 people live in the settlement, which is built on a hilltop overlooking Ramallah, the Palestinians’ administrative capital. It was founded in 1977 by religious settlers drawn by its biblical significance: they believe that it is where Jacob had his dream of angels ascending and descending a ladder to Heaven.
Today it is one of the largest settlements in the West Bank, a sprawl of red-roofed stone houses with its own winery and public pool. The population is decidedly conservative: in the last election 97 per cent voted for right-wing parties. All of this endeared it to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior White House adviser, and David Friedman, the President’s bankruptcy lawyer and pick to be US ambassador to Israel. The two men have donated millions to the settlement, particularly the seminary.
They are also two of Mr Trump’s most influential advisers on Israel — and so the residents of Beit El have high expectations for the new President.
“We’ve had a hard eight years under Obama. Nothing was built here,” Michael Zucker, a shop owner and longtime resident, said. “Trump said he will be fair. And he’s a builder himself. So hopefully he can bring a change.”
Read the full article by Gregg Carlstrom at The Australian.