OUTPOSTS: 2.Maoz Esther

From 090722 Maoz Esther

Several residents ran out to meet us as we descended the hill viewing the scattered buildings in plowed fields. We passed empty rooms with rolled up sleeping bags, and were escorted to our spokesperson's housing quarters where 6-8 single beds were lined up at one end, a makeshift kitchen facility at the other end. The floor was nothing by a bed of rocks and stones. Literally, if a strong wind came through the whole crate would be lifted up and carried to parts unknown.
But our hostess and others provided a warm welcome atmosphere and hospitably set a table with various snacks and drinks.
Children romped on the beds as we were told the story of recent events of invading forces.
The outpost on the outskirts of Kochav HaShachar is called Maoz Esther. It has been demolished twice in one week as police swooped down and rounded up the residents, and cut off the water and electricity as they left the premises.
Even though household items were scattered among the rubbish of the buildings, the residents have rebuilt. Among the structures is a synagogue and recently they dedicated a Torah scroll in the name of Yohonadav Hirschfield, who was killed in last year's terror attack at Jerusalem's Mercaz Harav Yeshiva.
The first command given by Netanyahu upon his landing at Ben Gurion Airpost after his visit to Washington DC was the leveling of Maoz Esther and other places.
As soon as security forces left, residents, along with the help of supporters, started rebuilding in defiance to Obama and Bibi.
On another hilltop not far away, settlers built a hut they mockingly refer to as the "Obama Hut". It is a sign of appreciation for the actions taken by the Obama administration which led to a dramatic increase in the number of outposts.