Moshav Mivtahim
Named after a biblical blessing of "peaceable habitations," Moshav Mivtahim is a storied community of nearly 1,000 residents whose roots stretch from Kurdish and Moroccan pioneers to modern agricultural leaders. On October 7, the moshav was saved from a planned massacre by the incredible bravery of its local security team, who—despite being under-equipped and outnumbered—engaged in a fierce four-hour battle at the community's gates that ultimately forced the attackers to flee. Today, as 90% of the residents have returned to their "Safe Haven," your partnership is vital to fund the advanced security equipment and first-responder training that will ensure this historic gateway to the Negev remains a sanctuary for generations to come.
The Shield of the Hevel Eshkol
A Legacy of Kurdish and Moroccan Pioneers
The name Mivtahim translates to "Safe Havens," a promise taken from the Book of Isaiah. Originally established as a kibbutz in 1947, the site was eventually resettled as a moshav in 1950 by immigrants from Kurdistan and later Morocco. For over seventy years, these families have cultivated 4,000 dunams of the northwestern Negev, turning the desert into a productive home. The moshav still honors its history through the "Old Security House," the only structure remaining from its 1948 founding, which serves as a reminder of the community's long-standing role as a sentinel on the border.
The promise of "secure dwellings" was put to the ultimate test on October 7, 2023. At 6:35 AM, approximately 25 terrorists advanced toward the moshav. Led by the head of the local security team, Dan Asulin, a small group of residents and one off-duty soldier successfully blocked the infiltration. Though the battle claimed the lives of five defenders—Dan Asulin, Gil Avital, Lior Ben Yaakov, Tal Maman, and Staff Sgt. Itay Nachmias—their stand prevented the terrorists from entering the residential areas and carrying out a massacre. Today, Mivtahim is a symbol of recovery; it is one of the first communities where the vast majority of families have already returned home. By twinning with Mivtahim, you are helping to professionalize their first-response teams and supporting the "Tekuma" (Rebirth) projects—including new playgrounds and youth centers—that are making this Safe Haven stronger than ever before.
Twinned with Lance Drucker and Family
Fueled by the generous support of the Lance Drucker and his family and the coordination of the Eshkol Regional Council, Magen 48 delivered crucial first response and civil defense training. This intensive program fundamentally empowered the resilient citizens of Mivtahim to protect their community against any future threat. Today, Mivtahim stands not just rebuilt, but reborn—vigilant and prepared to defend its peaceful way of life.
Mivtahim Training in Photos
Twin with Nearby Towns
Twin with a Community Near Moshav Mivtahim: These frontline towns require essential security training now. Fund a twinning commitment to equip their local defense teams against immediate threat or disaster.
Tzohar
Talmei Eliyahu
Sde Nitzan
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