Residents of Judea and Samaria thank IDF soldiers during rally. Photo: Michal Avior/Tazpit News Agency.

Over the past year, life in Judea and Samaria has become a precarious affair due to an increase in Arab terrorism. The smallest and mundane tasks have become a dangerous affair in the terror-ridden territory.

In recent days however, as a result of the IDF stepping up its efforts to combat this phenomena, there has been a decrease in the attacks against civilians living in Judea and Samaria, and a sense of security has been restored. The IDF has engaged in hundreds of arrests, raids, and stakeouts and has added patrols and forces; the outcome of their actions is tangible.

As an expression of gratitude to the security forces, the residents of Judea and Samaria held a special rally last Friday (July 8), marching from Talmon to a nearby IDF base. Hundreds of residents marched, bearing baked goods, flowers, drawings prepared by children and other such gifts. When they arrived at the base, they hung balloons on the parameter fence.

Ravid Sharon, one of the organizers, told Tazpit News Agency: “The IDF has been operating overtly and covertly, and has achieved real results. We can all sense the improved state of security. We are all thankful for the peace and quiet which has returned to the region, and we felt an obligation…to thank those who have worked to restore the peace.”

Residents of Judea and Samaria thank IDF soldiers during rally. Photo: Michal Avior/Tazpit News Agency.

Emily Amrusi, a resident of Talmon who participated in the rally, further added: “When we sleep peacefully at night there is someone awake. Gratitude is a value which is important for ourselves and our children. When the security situation deteriorated we knew to protest. Now that things have improved we are obligated to express our gratitude.”

A personal thank-you letter was also presented to the IDF Benyamin Division Commander, Colonel Yossi Pinto.