Less than 24 hours after the blaze broke out in Gilad Farm in Samaria, the crowdfunding campaign launched to rehabilitate the community has met with widespread response. As of these hours, 22,231 donors have taken part in the initiative, raising a total sum of NIS 5,642,615.
The fire began on Saturday in the Mitzpe Yishai area of Kedumim, spreading toward Gilad Farm under the cover of strong winds. According to a Fire and Rescue Services report, 45 firefighting and rescue teams from across the country operated at the scene, assisted by a surveillance helicopter and eight firefighting aircraft conducting aerial drops. During the incident, two people sustained moderate and light injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment, while police blocked Route 55 from the Jit Junction heading west to secure an evacuation route.
The heavy damage to homes and property
The official announcement of the fundraising campaign detailed that the fire left behind severe destruction including: "15 residential homes of dear families that were completely burned, 10 businesses of various sizes that were completely destroyed (including the Tzameret lumber yard), and 10 additional homes and warehouses that were damaged and partially burned." Regarding the circumstances of the blaze, a security official stated that: "There is no finding that links this incident to arson... according to Fire and Rescue Services it was caused by a cigarette thrown on the shoulder of a main road."
The campaign is defined as a "community campaign for families whose homes were damaged as a result of the fire," with payment processing and receipts managed under the responsibility of the Bnei Horin Association (NPO). Registered among the donors were residents and communities from nearby settlements.
On the fundraising page, the organizers noted that: "Entire families were left without a roof over their heads, and businesses collapsed," adding that the goal of the initiative is to bring about a "rapid rehabilitation" and to rebuild the community.