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Outpost goats
Photo: Bentzi Gupstein

Special for Tu B'Shvat: Goat-manned outposts

Right-wing activists find original way to 'take over' more West Bank lands by releasing goats in-between manned outposts; say ‘goats more difficult to remove than caravans’

Right-wing activists have discovered feisty new recruits to aid them in "capturing" West Bank lands. These are herds of goats that they have released in the hills and mountain between manned outposts.

 

“This is a sure fire way to attain additional lands without using caravans or trailers,” said Bentzi Gupshtein, who organized this unique operation.

  

The right-wing group named “Hasidei Meir”, after extreme right-wing leader Rabbi Meir Kahane began to seize West Bank lands roughly a year ago by planting trees in unmanned West Bank fields and hills.

 

This year is a Shmita year however, which under Jewish law mandates allowing the land to rest by not planting any new crops or plants. The activists thus needed a new approach.

 

After searching for a new way to set foot in the soil without using trees, the “Hasidei Meir Group” launched operation “goats for trees” on the Monday right before Tu B’Shvat. Their goal is to strengthen their hold on the mountains, fields and lands of the west Bank, which they consider an inalienable part of the State of Israel.  


Photo: Bentzi Gupstein

 

Gupshtein told Ynet that “sending a couple dozen goats out to pasture quite literally creates facts on the ground, and proves that this land is indeed ours. The Arabs can’t really do anything about it. It’s not like a trailer that you can just clear out.”

 

The goat project organizers also point out that they are currently fundraising both in Israel and abroad in order to raise money to purchase these goats.

 

Gupshtein explains that the cost of each goat is NIS 600 (roughly $150), and that so far they have raised enough money—especially from Jews abroad—to purchase 150 goats. The group’s ultimate goal is to buy an additional 400 goats in the next few weeks.

 

And what about the welfare of these furry collaborators? The activists stated that not every outpost can receive its own goat. The animals require daily care, and are given only to those that can care for them and be responsible for their welfare.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.21.08, 14:12
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