Due to snow in Jerusalem and the roads being blocked we return to the beautiful oasis in the Negev desert, Ein Gedi. On the way we receive the hospitality and a tour of the highly committed settlement-kibbutz-moshav Merchav Am.
Alison, member of Merchav Am.
Yeshuv means settlement (community)
Settlement in the Negev of 60 families, living in caravans, fibro homes with flat rooves. Russians, Israelis, Indians, Americans, no Australians yet.
A rabbi and a Shule that's inclusive for Ashkenazi and Sephardic. No gates, total access to the desert where children play, desire not to separate themselves from the environment. Agriculture being developed. Land was bought by her family subsidised by govt. renting their caravan.
Houses being built need to be painted in desert colours, have flat rooves and be set back a certain distance. Houses can be shared by families.
No consensus politically, all opinions exist. Security issues - snakes, scorpions, camels on road, flooding that traps the community. National water grid from North. Recycled water, grey water, detailed recycling goes to recycling plant in south producing other products.
Decision making - lots of commitee meetings.
Australian JNF funding greening of playgrounds, open spaces, permanent facilities and their play areas.
Ben Gurion used to talk of conquering the desert; this group wants to make the smallest footprint possible.
JNF and KKL Supported. Army controls the area and there is ongoing negotiation.The OR (Hebrew for LIGHT) movement travelled around the Negev to help create new communities. OR worked alone, now govt, JNF and KKL are on the mission to make the desert bloom. Alternative to city life - community life. OR means life. Naase venishma - do and then hear.
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