After Tragedy, We Built More: The Story of Itamar with Leah and Moshe Goldsmith

What does it take to leave everything behind, move to the hills of Samaria, and build a community from scratch?In this episode of Live the Land, Franny Waisman sits down with Leah and Moshe Goldsmith, among the founding families of Itamar, to hear the remarkable story of their journey from New York to the heartland of Israel. From living without running water and electricity to rebuilding after devastating terror attacks, the Goldsmiths share what it means to turn challenges into opportunities and remain deeply connected to the land, people, and story of Israel.Leah and Moshe Goldsmith recount their decision to leave New York and make Aliyah during the pioneering years of the settlement movement. Drawn by a deep connection to Torah, Jewish history, and the land of Israel, they helped establish Itamar when it was little more than a hilltop with generators and limited infrastructure.The conversation explores the community's growth, the challenges of pioneering life, and the profound sense of mission that sustained them. The Goldsmiths reflect on painful moments, including the murder of members of the Fogel family in a 2011 terror attack, and explain how the community chose to respond not with retreat but with renewed building and expansion.They also discuss raising children in a place shaped by both idealism and sacrifice, efforts to bridge divisions within Israeli society, and misconceptions surrounding life in Judea and Samaria. The episode concludes with practical travel recommendations and an invitation to experience the region firsthand.About The GuestsLeah and Moshe Goldsmith are among the founding residents of Itamar, a community in the Shomron. After making Aliyah from New York in the 1980s, they became part of the pioneering generation that helped establish and develop communities throughout Judea and Samaria. For decades, they have been involved in community building, education, agriculture, and strengthening the connection between the Jewish people and the biblical heartland of Israel.Time Stamps00:00 Endings Become Beginnings02:15 Meeting Leah and Moshe Goldsmith06:10 Leaving New York and Making Aliyah12:30 The Early Days of Itamar20:45 Living Without Running Water or Electricity28:20 Yosef, Shechem, and the Biblical Heartland37:15 Terrorism, Loss, and Community Resilience46:40 The Fogel Family Tragedy and Rebuilding55:30 Raising Courageous Children1:03:10 Farms, Hilltops, and Post-Oslo Growth1:12:00 Bridging Divides in Israeli Society1:19:20 Responding to the "Settler Violence" Narrative1:26:15 Travel Recommendations in Judea and Samaria1:31:00 Final ReflectionsReady to discover the stories behind Israel's modern pioneers?Tune in to the full episode to hear how one family helped build a community in the biblical heartland and why they believe every challenge can become the beginning of something new.----------------Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.