Roots of Resilience and Rebirth

Tze'elim’s history is a profound story of survival and growth. Established just months before the founding of the State of Israel, it was settled by a diverse gar'in of young pioneers. Among them were many of the "Selvino children"—orphans of the Holocaust who had been sheltered in Italy before making Aliyah. Today, the kibbutz is a lush green contrast to the surrounding desert, known for its agricultural success and its proximity to the country's most significant ground forces training center, which often bears the kibbutz’s name.​

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While Tze'elim’s local security forces successfully guarded the community during the October 7 attacks, the kibbutz immediately transformed into a critical rear-guard hub, providing support for the thousands of soldiers and first responders flooding into the region. The psychological weight of the ongoing conflict and the constant sound of activity from the nearby base have fundamentally changed daily life for the families here. By twinning with or donating to Tze'elim, you are supporting a community that has spent 75 years turning the desert into a home, providing essential funds for youth mental health services and community reinforcement to ensure the "acacia trees" of Tze'elim continue to provide shade and safety.