David Wilder
David Wilder
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Full Name and Common Aliases
David Wilder was born on March 29, 1955, in New York City, USA. He is also known as Yehudah Weisenthal.
Birth and Death Dates
March 29, 1955 - present
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Rabbi, settler of the West Bank, and former spokesperson for the Jewish community in Hebron.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a traditional Jewish family in New York City, David Wilder's exposure to Hebrew literature and history sparked his interest in Israel. After completing high school, he moved to Israel in 1973 to study at Bar-Ilan University. During this time, he became involved with the settlement movement in the West Bank.
Major Accomplishments
David Wilder played a crucial role in promoting Jewish presence in Hebron through his work as the spokesperson for the Jewish community. His dedication led to increased tourism and recognition of the city's rich history. Additionally, he was instrumental in helping settlers navigate complex bureaucratic challenges.
Notable Works or Actions
In 1982, David Wilder moved his family to Hebron, where they settled among other Jews who had established homes there. This bold move sparked controversy but also demonstrated the family's commitment to the Jewish community. As a resident of Hebron, he became an advocate for its preservation and development.
Impact and Legacy
David Wilder's efforts significantly contributed to the revitalization of Hebron as a Jewish center. The establishment of new homes, businesses, and infrastructure transformed the city into a thriving hub of Jewish activity. This revitalization helped to counterbalance the growing Arab population in the area.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Wilder is widely quoted for his insights on the complexities of living as a settler in the West Bank. His experiences offer a unique perspective on issues related to territorial disputes, interfaith relations, and community building. As a result, he has been featured in various media outlets discussing topics such as the future of Jewish settlements and potential paths toward peace.
David Wilder's unwavering dedication to preserving Jewish heritage in Hebron has left an indelible mark on the city's history. Through his work as a spokesperson for the Jewish community and advocate for settlement growth, he has ensured that this ancient site remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
Quotes by David Wilder
This is normal. Houses are bought everywhere in the world. We don't have enough space, so we need more houses to live in.
It's important to say 'No. You can't let them chop up your land and give it to your enemy.
The security forces arrived, and it was all downhill from there. They came from both sides. They brought in people who were supposed to go around with eviction notices. People here got very upset, and there was a lot of chaos. There were kids being dragged away, and adults and women. It was very nasty.
I've been told that the media has been publishing that we have no documents proving that this is ours. This is blatantly false.
There's no question that the events of early this week were very harmful to us. But the blame can fairly be placed on the large police and army forces that came here forcefully two weeks ago to place eviction notices on Jewish-owned homes. In any event, we have said that things got out of hand and that we did not have total control - but when we did regain control, things calmed down.
We were invaded by police, border police, riot squads, horses. This is a provocation. It's a show of strength. They've entered private property illegally, and we're very upset that the government is using these kind of tactics to try to scare people.