Ganim Reconnects to Electricity Grid, Completing Links to Four Rebuilt Communities

Ganim was connected to Israel’s electricity grid on Monday, November 2, completing the reconnection of the four northern Samaria communities evacuated in the 2005 disengagement. Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Israel Electric Corporation representatives and members of Ganim’s community committee raised the switch at a ceremony marking the connection. The work came approximately three months after residents returned to Ganim, 21 years after its evacuation. Homesh, Sa-Nur and Kadim, the other three evacuated communities, had already been connected. Dagan recited the Shehecheyanu blessing at the ceremony and said: “We are reconnecting Ganim to the State of Israel’s electricity infrastructure.” The council is leading its Reconnection Program with Amana and government ministries. According to the council, 11 communities have been established under the program over eight months. Energy Minister Eli Cohen welcomed Ganim’s connection, while community committee chairman Alon Kotsky welcomed the restoration of electricity and community life. Israel Electric Corporation chief executive Meir Spiegler said the company carries out government decisions and installs the infrastructure needed to supply the communities, including Kadim and Ganim. He described providing electricity before homes and public institutions are occupied as the company’s objective. Ganim’s own reconnection followed the residents’ return; the reports did not give a date for another infrastructure milestone.