Kibbutz Sde-Boker

The founders of Sde-Boker came to this location in May of 1952, originally intending to start a ranch with cattle, sheep, and horses.
This year the kibbutz celebrates 70 years since being established.
In the words of Avraham ben Yaakov (“Shpardak”):
“It was a group of people who founded a community in a way unlike that foundation of any other farm… We were a handful of people who served together in Intelligence in the Southern Command… it was a farm of 12, sometimes 15 people, absolute individualists, without too much connection between one another… and without knowledge of how to organize a community cooperatively…”
Throughout the years Kibbutz Sde Boker has had various agricultural undertakings, as described by founding member Rafi Bachrach in 1977 when celebrating the kibbutz’s 25th anniversary:
“In the beginning, until we reached a state of financial stability, we tried and cancelled many industries which proved to be unviable, unsuitable to the region, or a poor fit for the kibbutz society.
Among the unsuccessful industries: Raising herds of horses and sheep; orchards of: Peaches, almonds, guava, plums, and pomegranates; and even an attempt at a fishery in Yerucham Lake.
Today Kibbutz Sde Boker supports itself financially from the ‘Davik’ factory which produces technologically advanced adhesive tape, as well as chicken coops that include an innovative incubator.
Additionally the kibbutz profits from agricultural cooperation, a solar field, tourism, small businesses, as well as members who work outside the kibbutz.
Kibbutz Sde Boker consists today of about 150 people- members, children, candidates for membership, and residents, who enjoy the quality and richness of kibbutz lifestyle, culture, and education. Certainly an impressive development from its 13 founding members 70 years ago!