Oz veGaon is a unique and special park that defines characteristizes what Jewish Sovereignty means in Israel. It grew out of the tragic loss of 3 young men, Gil-ad Shaer, Eyal Yifrach and Naftali Fraenkel hy”d who were murdered by Arab terrorists in 2014 – their bodies were found in this very location.
As a result, Oz veGaon became a rallying point for sovereignty in Judea. Because rather than fret in anger and bitterness, this tragic abduction and murder invoked an incredible response from the local Jewish population. The leaders of the Sovereignty Movement, Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar supported by the Gush Etzion Regional Council, went on the offensive with a response that; “Rather than to appear “weak” and do nothing – lets turn this garbage dump into a memorial park for these 3 young men and make it into an educational center and memorial – a symbol of our rebuilding the land!”
That was how Oz VeGaon came into being in the summer of 2014. It was transformed from a dump into a beautiful park that now serves as educational and tourism site. There are playgrounds for children, a picnic area, camping area, a synagogue, an event hall for 150 people and more. Hundreds of groups come to the site to hear talks by the founders of the preserve as well as to volunteer in the work of developing the site. It should be one of the places you choose to visit on your next tour!
Groups from high schools, yeshivas and seminaries, IDF preparatory schools, and various organizations both locally and from abroad visit the preserve, enjoying a Zionist experience with an emphasis on values, ecology, and social activity, while forming an authentic bond with nature through physical work in the field.
Retrun O’ Israel is pleased to share the following link with you that takes you into the heart of Oz veGaon with the recent visit of nearly 1,000 students from the Zvia school Network! See the park teeming with children for the day, enjoying nature, the playgrounds and activities.
As the special holiday season approaches, you are also invited to prayerfully consider the future plans for expansion that you can support through your gift – no matter the size, as it all contributes to make Oz VeGaon the unique and special place that it is! Here are some of the projects being planned;
- Indoor play area for children
- Educational wine press
- More Wooden Benches & Picnic Tables
- Landscape Maintenance; & Maintenance for IDF Soldiers stationed; Building terraces;
You can find out how to contribute by the link above.
Thank you and God bless you,
Anthony Abma
Return O’ Israel