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General & Historical Background
The Hebron Hills include diverse landscapes: in their central northern part,
mountains with Mediterranean shrubbery similar to that in Jerusalem; in the East-
the limit between farming land and the Judean desert, with panoramic views of the
Judean desert and the Transjordan mountains; in the west- hills overlooking the
coastal plain and the Mediterranean Sea; in the south- mountains overlooking the
Beer- Sheba valley and the Negev mountains.
This region has been the cradle of Jewish civilization since almost 5000 years.
Here passed the main road used by the ancestors to pass from Beer- Sheba to
Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and northwards. In this region lived and were
buried Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives. Here was the area inherited by the
tribe of Judea. To this region fled David when he escaped King Saul and later, his
son Absalom. In this region started the kingdom of David. Various accounts in the
bible can best be studied an understood in this region. In the time of the second
temple, an extensive Jewish civilization developed in this region . In the area are
scattered various archaeological sites, indicating the existence of at least 60 Jewish
communities at that time. Terraces, dwelling caves and wine presses abound
throughout the region. Such communities existed until ca. 800 AC. In some
locations, impressive remains serve to study aspects of Jewish life at that time.
Aside from the town of Hebron, where a Jewish community existed until the
massacre of 1929, Jewish life did not continue after ca. 800 AC (apparently due to
the Arab occupation which included certain farming restrictions imposed on Jews). Only
during the last decades was Jewish life resumed in this region.
Future Prospects
Aside from rural zones of autonomous Arab villages, there are ample vacant
lands which permit the development of Jewish communities. On many such lands
there is a consensus in Israeli society concerning strategic significance. New roads
built in this region during the last years enable a significantly better connection
between Jerusalem and the Negev region. The planned new international
airport, as well as free- trade industrial zone under construction, are
located on the southern limit of the Hebron Hills region. In the southern part of
the region there are communities which are satellites of Beer- Sheva, located within
just 20 minutes drive from the town. The cool, dry air, the impressive views and
the widespread afforestation provide a different level of quality of life.
In the western part of the region, there are communities which are satellites of the
rapidly developing towns of Kiryat- Gat (where a multibillion Intel plant is being
built) and Bet- Shemesh (a suburb of Tel- Aviv and Jerusalem). Such communities
are within an hour drive from Tel- Aviv.
There are extensive community activities in all the Hebron Hills communities.
Children are taught to live in the society with active involvement. There are
educational and social institutions with a commitment towards the whole Israeli
society. For example, in Bet- Haggai has founded a youth village, which receives
underprivileged teenagers from all over the country; each family in the village adopts
8 such children, and a complete educational & vocational program is provided to
the children.
Demographic Data
There are presently 13 communities in the region, with a population of several
thousands.
Adora, Shima'a, Telem, Livna, Tene- Omarim and Eshkolot are community
villages.
Ottniel, Bet- Haggai, Soussia and Ma'ale- Hever are religious community
villages.
Ma'on, Carmel and Bet- Yattir are religious community villages with some of the
members organized for farming.
(For additional information, call 02-9969100).
About 35% of the residents are religions. In all the communities there are Jewish
spiritual & cultural activities.
There are plans for increasing the Jewish population to tens of thousands, while
preserving open green spaces.
People in the regions work in many fields: in the Negev's industry; in
universities and hospitals; in agriculture etc.
Economic Data
The cheap land available, coupled with the proximity to population centers and
with the high quality of life, renders the region attractive for housing
development.
Special assistance is provided to entrepreneurs in industry, commerce,
agriculture and tourism.
In the agricultural communities advanced technologies are being applied. This is
a particularly promising region for growing high- quality wine grapes; the region
is full of antique wine presses. Recently, a high quality wine was produced from
Marlo grapes grown in the region (the first in Israel); there are plans for extensive
vineyards and wine cellars.
Education
Day- care centers are operated in each community, for children in the ages of 3
months to 3 years. Kindergartens are also available everywhere.
A regional religious elementary school operates in Soussia; another religious
elementary school operates in Ottniel. A regional elementary school operates in
Metar.
Torah institutes of superb level operate in the region: a Torah academy in Ottniel
for training rabbis and rabbinical teachers as well as providing Jewish training to
soldiers and others; the Shavei- Hevron teenagers academy in Ma'ale- Hever; the
Reshit institute for girls, in Ma'on; the pre- military Torah academy in Bet- Yattir.
In each community is operated a youth activity center, with a guide employed by
the regional council.
A sports center operates in Soussia. Regional musical centers are also available.
The Soussiya Site
The Soussiya development company was founded in order to develop the ancient
Jewish city bearing this name, discovered over the last years. It is actually the only
ancient Jewish town preserved in complete form and not habitated since its
destruction. Dozens of caves and public buildings have been excavated;
some dwelling houses are being reconstructed with a unique aim: letting families
live in these houses with 7th century lifestyle!
An audiovisual show, a cave restaurant, creative workshops, grapes and olives
pressing, donkey- back riding and more are offered to the public. A caves hotel is
also planned, and investments in it would be welcome.
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