Neot Semadar, kibbutz in Israel
Neot Semadar is a small kibbutz in Israel's southern Arava desert region, home to around 250 residents including kibbutz members, families, and international volunteers. The buildings are constructed from local materials using simple yet creative designs that sit naturally within the desert landscape.
The kibbutz was founded in 1989, built on the site of a former settlement called Shizafon that was established in 1980 but abandoned after a few years due to lack of population. The new community rose from the same location and developed a sustainable model for desert living.
The name Neot Semadar means 'Oasis of grape blossoms' in Hebrew, honoring the memory of Smadar Safra, who died in a traffic accident. Art and craft are woven into daily life here, with an art center where visitors can observe stained glass, pottery, and textile work happening in real time.
The community is located about 60 kilometers north of Eilat and is accessible from there. Visitors can stay in desert-style rooms and participate in workshops, while the remote location offers excellent stargazing opportunities on clear nights.
The kibbutz was founded in 1989 by friends seeking to invent a new way of living together and is one of only two communities in Israel recognized by the United Nations as best practice for village tourism worldwide. This international award honors its commitment to sustainable tourism and serves as a model for other desert communities.
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