Yardena, Moshav in Valley of Springs Regional Council, Israel
Yardena is a moshav in Valley of Springs Regional Council near the Jordan River with around 384 residents, located about 13 kilometers north of Beit She'an along Route 90. Residents farm individual plots while following cooperative principles and sharing community facilities including schools, a cultural heritage center, and other communal buildings.
The settlement was founded in January 1952 by immigrants from Iraqi Kurdistan as part of Israel's efforts to develop the Jordan Valley region. This early establishment made the community part of a wider program to absorb newcomers and build up the area.
The Center for Kurdistan Cultural Heritage occupies a former school building and preserves traditions brought by the founding community from Iraqi Kurdistan. Visitors can see traditional crafts and everyday objects that reflect how this group lived and worked.
The moshav sits along Route 90 and is accessible from the north, with basic visitor facilities including the cultural center. When visiting, keep in mind the area is agricultural and the cooler months are best for exploring the surroundings.
The name Yardena comes from the Hebrew word for Jordan and was chosen as a direct reference to the river's nearby location. This naming choice shows how the early settlers connected their new home to the natural landmarks around them.
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