We are the Shelter family from Havat Gilad.

Fourteen years ago, we came to the farm driven by an ideal—to take part in the settlement movement, to build, and to expand the borders of the Land of Israel.

With our own two hands, we built our lives here. We created a warm and welcoming home that became a second home to many. At the same time, Mendy worked hard to build his business, including a logistics warehouse filled with equipment and inventory accumulated over many years.

Then, within minutes, everything changed.

A wall of fire closed in around us, and at the last moment we managed to escape as the road itself was already burning. Mendy was injured by the intense heat, and thank God, his injuries were minor.

For a long hour, we were unable to reach our son Yehuda, who had gone out to help fight the fire. Thank God, he was found safe and unharmed.

We survived. Our home and business did not.

The home we spent 14 years building was severely damaged and is no longer fit to live in. >