Comments on: Neot Semadar: An Eco Village in the Southern Negev

By: jannys

jannys — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:34:02 +0000

I only stayed in Neot Smadar for one night. Although I was impressed, I gave up my initial plan to stay as a volunteer due to illness. Now I am fifty and too old to volunteer. But it 's nice to see a beautiful experiment flourishing. Maybe I 'll come to visit one day as a tourist if there is a guest house.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:15:00 +0000

I lived and worked at neot Semadar in 1995 and helped with the construction of the art centre. I also worked in the date plantation. Probably the best job I have ever had! I met a lot of amazing people with a truly unique way of life – sharing and loving are high on the agenda. It’s the first time that I have seen the building and I would love to go back there, and to meet my friends again (if they are still there) Galit leshem, Shir, Pele, mayan, Shevi and Ronny! Love to all. Pauldjazz(at)yahoo.co.uk (UK)

By: M. RUBENSTEIN

M. RUBENSTEIN — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:50:00 +0000

is it possible to purchase items from this kibbutz on-line??
i just returned from the negev, had lunch and bought a few things..would love to purchase more!!!!!
please let me know a.s.a.p.
thank you.
m. rubenstein
micchall@cox.net

By: Daniel Pedersen

Daniel Pedersen — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:53:34 +0000

A couple of stories about Neot Smadar:
1. legend (second hand for me) has it that during one of the frequent Kibbutz meetings before the Kibbutz was organic, one of the members stood up. He said that although the topic was not on the agenda, it really bothered him that they were using toxic pesticides and herbicides on their crops. They discussed deep into the night, and decided overnight to go organic. The next day the other kibbutzim in the area got a message saying: “we have all of these pesticides and herbicides that we won’t be needing – come and get them.” I don’t know if it’s true, but it is certainly in keeping with the level of commitment that the residents have.
2. During 2002-2005 I was project manager for a field campaign to measure background levels of air pollution in the Negev desert. Neot Smadar is in an ideal location, so we contacted them asking to set up our mobile laboratory for 3 one-month sessions over the next 3 years. After discussing our request, they decided that this project was important enough that they would give us full room and board for 2-3 people without charging a shekel. We were finally successful in convincing them that we should pay for the electricity we used.
Simple people with a simple life, and focusing on important things. So if you head down Eilat way, drive through Shizafon junction and stop at their roadside stand – for some great food and delicious goat cheeses, and to support some very deserving people.