A Visit With Shmuel: Shani Livnah

Join me now, as I enter Shani Livnah...

Heading to Hebron Hills, a region south of the city of Hebron, views of rolling rocky desert hills extend as far as the eye can see. A lush forest materializes into view, an unexpected interruption to the expansive arid landscape. The Yatir forest was established against all odds; in an effort to preserve and settle the Biblical Heartland, trees were planted in a region where plant life is unlikely to survive. Miraculously, the forest flourished and today it is the largest planted forest in Israel.

Shani Livnah, an isolated community in the Hebron Hills, is located on the northern edge of the Yatir forest. Forty years ago, a group of young idealistic families arrived at a barren desert hilltop, seeking to settle the land and create a tranquil, warm community in a pastoral setting. Today, with 150 families, a mixture of secular and traditional families, and a close-knit community lifestyle, Shani Livnah is truly an oasis.

I hope you will be able to visit Israel soon and I would love to take you to visit Shani Livnah and introduce you, in person, to its warm and welcoming pioneers. Until then, please join me on this virtual tour for a taste of this special community in the Hebron Hills

God Bless,

Shmuel
Shmuel Junger
Development Director
CFOIC Heartland

Raising children and youth in a remote and isolated community is hard. But after two years of devastating isolation during COVID, with schools either closed or teaching remotely on zoom, quarantines, illnesses, and canceled youth programs, these teens missed the social outlet so critical for children of that age. The effects have been disastrous, as many teens still struggle with feeling lost, uncertain of their future, and rudderless. A youth center is more vital than ever before to the healthy development of the youth of Shani Livnah. You can help get these teens back on track with an attractive and inviting youth center, where they can enjoy socializing and attending enrichment programs. Your gift will help raise up a wonderful generation of young adults, who will contribute to their community and country in Biblical Israel.