The communities of Hevron and Kiryat Arba are expressing their sorrow on the loss of founder Rabbi Moshe Levinger.

A community statement read: “The group, which he brought together only months after the liberation of new parts of the Land of Israel, settled the city of Hevron during Pesah 5728 [1967 in the Gregorian calendar]. The great spirit with which he infused his comrades and the surroundings is what brought people to create so many communities in Judea and Samaria.”

Rabbi Levinger’s son Malachi said, “The loss is great and the separation hurts, but my father’s departure, shortly before Jerusalem and Hevron Days, symbolizes the spirit and great love for the Land of Israel that filled us. His vision is our vision, and his great spirit will continue to pump in our hearts.”

Minister for Construction Uri Ariel (Jewish Home) joined in the expressions of sorrow: “A righteous person has been lost from our land. The Jewish people lost Rabbi Moshe Levinger today. He was a leader of in settling the Land of Israel and Hevron, the city of our forefathers.”