The Youth Division of the Samaria (Shomron) community center held a special event this week to salute its young leaders.

Among those honored were counselors from the Bnei Akiva, Beitar and Ariel youth movements and members of the Youth Council.

“The generation of the future is growing up before our eyes, and it is prepared to take on the national missions that the people of Israel needs,” said long-time Samaria activist Benny Katzover, addressing the young honorees. “It is clear [to this generation] that the connection to Jewish identity and to the land of Israel is the basis for making all kinds of deserts bloom, in various realms of life.”

Samaria Regional Council head Gershon Mesika wrote a letter to the young activists. “I want to thank you for your dedicated work on behalf of youth in Samaria,” he said. Their activity helps to strengthen the Jewish connection to the land of Israel, he added.

The youth toured northern Samaria and ate dinner together before the ceremony. Hundreds took part in the event. (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 06/22/12)