A new agricultural moshav, Bitron, was inaugurated in the Jordan Valley shortly before Rosh Hashanah as part of the "Otef Israel" settlement initiative.
The project was led by Hashomer Hachadash in collaboration with the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, the Settlement Division, the Jordan Valley Regional Council, KKL-JNF and the Taieb Foundation. Approximately 20 founding families from across the country took part in the inauguration and settled at the site ahead of the New Year.
According to Hashomer Hachadash, Bitron is the first new agricultural moshav established in Israel in 20 years. Its establishment is part of the "Otef Israel" ("Israel Perimeter") project, an initiative focused on establishing communities along Israel's eastern border following the October 7 attacks.
Before the inauguration ceremony, hundreds of Hashomer Hachadash participants, including members of the organization's youth movement and the founding families, gathered at the site to prepare the area for residential and community life and organize the residential structures.
Following October 7, Hashomer Hachadash also led the establishment of "Mitzpe Yehonatan" in Arad, named after the late Nahal Brigade Commander Col. Yehonatan Steinberg. About 20 families currently live there, according to the organization.
Haim Taib, president and founder of the Taib Foundation, said the events of October 7 had reinforced the connection between settlement, agriculture and national resilience.
"After October 7th, we all realized anew the extent to which settlement and agriculture are part of the State of Israel's resilience," Taib said. "The ability to sustain life, communities, and agriculture, especially in places far from population centers, is integral to our ability to build a strong society here over time."
He added that the Taib Foundation works with Hashomer Hachadash to develop young leadership in communities across Israel, with a particular focus on education, leadership and the organization's youth movement.
Eyal Ostrinsky, chairman of KKL-JNF, described the establishment of the new community as a significant moment for the region.
"You are privileged today to be founders," Ostrinsky said. "This is the essence of Zionism and of initiative. You are settling a new place in the Valley after 20 years. That is something deep and meaningful."
David Elhayani, head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council, called the establishment of Bitron a historic moment for the Jordan Valley.
"The physical establishment of Bitron is a historic moment for the Jordan Valley and the entire State of Israel," he said. "After decades, we are privileged to once again see the establishment of a new settlement—an agricultural moshav that strengthens our settlement, our security, and our hold on the eastern border of the country."
Elhayani thanked the government ministries, Hashomer Hachadash, KKL-JNF, the Settlement Division and donors involved in the project, including Miriam Adelson.
Yoel Zilberman, CEO and founder of Hashomer Hachadash, said Bitron is part of a broader plan to establish additional communities along Israel's eastern border.
"The establishment of the agricultural moshav Bitron is the 'tip of the iceberg' of a large project of 'Otef Israel,' within the framework of which settlements will be established along the eastern border," Zilberman said.
He added that Hashomer Hachadash plans to continue supporting new communities while strengthening existing ones.
Written in collaboration with Hashomer Hachadash