Search
Close this search box.

Sde Boker

Exploring the Negev

Sde Boker is a kibbutz in the Negev; about 30 kilometers north of Ramon Crater; Known, among other things, as the residence of David Ben-Gurion in his last years. Settlement in Sde Boker began with establishing an agricultural farm in the Negev. The idea of ​​establishing a farm in this area matured with an American volunteer named Jesse, who fought in the country during the War of Independence. So in his imagination, he saw a farm such as a cow farm in Texas.


Negev Desert Tour - Ben Gurion Desert Home Front
In This Photo: David Ben Gurion Desert Home in Sde Boker

After the end of the battles, a group of members from the same unit began to form; who aspired to establish a farm in the Negev which would form the basis for an understanding that settlement can and should take place in the desert and uninhabited area. After many tours of the Negev, the area was chosen. In 1949, the group applied to the institutions for help establishing the settlement, but without much success.

Sde Boker Inauguration 

In May 1952, the settlement was established as an agricultural cooperative; without political affiliation, which was supposed to make a living from raising cattle and therefore decided to call the settlement “Sde Boker – a farm for raising cattle.” The ceremony, in the presence of Moshe Dayan, took place on May 15, 1952. To survive, the group members engaged in agriculture; also building a chicken hen, and developing the desert—for example, mining minerals, hospitality, and guarding.


Negev Desert Tour
Negev Desert

Their way of life was reminiscent of a collective way of life in specific characteristics such as areas of occupation. The property, however, remained privately owned. In January 1953, 200 sheep from Turkey were brought to Sde Boker. In October 1952, thirty days after the murder of local Barbara Proper, the first tree was planted on the site. At the end of 1952, an experimental water storage dam was built; in 1955, a lake with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters was inaugurated on the site.

More About Sde Boker

During the establishment of Sde Boker, the military kept the Bedouin tribes from the area away from Israeli Arabs. So the precarious security situation in the area also gave its signals to the group members. Also, in September 1952, Barbara Proper was killed while herding a herd of goats. According to the murderer, the IDF confiscated him. Also in December, Yosef Yairi was killed by an ambush on the way to Sde Boker. About 60 soldiers came to settle Sde Boker, which significantly increased the number of members.


The Promised Land Ten Days Tour - Negev - Ben Gurion Desert Tomb
In This Photo: The Tomb of David Ben Gurion, The First PM of Israel in Sde Boker

Then in 1954, another platoon of the Nahal arrived at the farm. After the soldiers’ service ended, members of the group sought a nucleus from a non-partisan movement who would agree to remain there even after their military service. Later, a nucleus of the Scouts moved to develop new branches in the economy: The establishment of a garage, a locksmith, carpentry, and the planting of peach orchards.

On my guided tours of the Negev, I take my guests to visit the tomb of Ben Gurion, which is buried near Sde Boker. And if there is time also to visit his desert home in Sde Boker. Apart from visiting the Kibbutz, there are many things to do in the area. For example, Ramon Crater is an option. Also, you can hike in the Negev Desert by visiting Ein Avdat National Park. Another option is touring Avdat National Park, the ancient Nabataean city that was part of the incense route.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Modern Settling of the Negev Desert

RELATED POSTS

Eretz Israel Museum

The Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, is a multidisciplinary museum showcasing the history, culture, and heritage of the land of Israel.

Tel Arad National Park

Tel Arad National Park is one of the must-see Archeological Tells in Israel. On my private tours of Tel Arad I make it a real ...

Ein Prat Nature Reserve

Originating close to Jerusalem and stretching all the way to Jericho before flowing into the Dead Sea in the Wadi Qelt. Ein Prat Nature Reserve is the ...

Monastery of Martyrius

The Monastery of Martyrius is a historic and secluded Christian site in the heart of the Judean Desert, east of Jerusalem.

Five Most Beautiful Places in Israel

Do you want to experience Israel like never before? Here is the five most beautiful places in Israel that you have to visit!

Jewish Quarter Defenders Monument

The Jewish Quarter Defenders Monument in Jerusalem stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and resilience of the Jewish people!

Ketef Hinnom

Ketef Hinnom is an archaeological site of immense historical and biblical significance in the Hinnom Valley of Jerusalem.

Must-See UNESCO Sites

What are the must-see UNESCO sites in Israel? Here are the top 5 must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Israel!

Red Canyon

The Red Canyon is located about 20 kilometers north of Eilat west of the road to Eilat at an altitude of 700 meters above sea ...

St. Mary of the Resurrection

The St. Mary of the Resurrection is a monastery in Abu Ghosh. It is built on the foundations of the Crusader Church. It's worth checking ...

Need help?

Skip to content