Balfouria

Balfouria is an agricultural moshav in the Jezreel Valley near Afula in northern Israel. The settlement sits at an elevation of 93 meters and is surrounded by farmland used primarily for cultivation and livestock.

The settlement was founded in 1922 and became the third established community in Palestine. It was named in honor of the 1st Earl of Balfour, a key figure in early Jewish settlement history.

The founders of this agricultural community constructed concrete houses with shingled roofs, which earned them the nickname 'the millionaires' among other residents. This early architectural choice shaped how the settlement looked from its beginning.

The moshav connects easily to the Afula Railway Station, located less than one kilometer from the settlement center. This proximity makes it straightforward to reach nearby areas and larger towns.

An adjacent nature reserve contains ancient springs and archaeological tells that preserve remnants of the original Jezreel Valley wetlands since 1979. This protected area offers visitors a rare glimpse into the region's original landscape.

Location: Jezreel Valley Regional Council

Inception: 1922

Elevation above the sea: 93 m

GPS coordinates: 32.63020,35.29630

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:23