Over 3,700 years ago, the Biblical Patriarch Abraham eagerly returned from Egypt to the hills surrounding Mount Baal Hazor, just north of what is today Jerusalem. There, where Abraham had first built an altar to God in the Land of Canaan, God reaffirmed Canaan as an eternal inheritance for Abraham and his descendants. God also called upon Abraham to settle the land in its entirety. (Genesis 13:17)
3,700 years later, in 1975 and near the very ground upon which Abraham built his altar and returned from Egypt, a group of pioneers carried on Abraham’s mission to settle every corner of the Land of Israel. Eight years after the People of Israel liberated the Biblical Heartland in 1967, Samaria still laid bereft of Jewish communities. With a Labor government in power reluctant to rebuild communities in the Biblical Heartland, this valiant band of pioneers was determined to make a revolutionary change. They applied for and obtained manual work positions at a military camp located on Baal Hazor. Shortly thereafter, they requested and secured housing for themselves at a nearby camp and subsequently, for their families as well, paving the way for the founding of “Ofra,” the first newly built Jewish community in the Benjamin region of Samaria! Several years later, Ofra was fully recognized by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, laying the groundwork for the restoration of ancient cities like Shiloh and Beit-El.
The 4,000 pioneers living in Ofra today proudly continue to assume the mantle of leadership in the region and the Biblical Heartland at large. Through initiatives like the Heart of Benjamin program, which helps families of severely disabled children navigate a myriad of educational and social challenges, Ofra demonstrates a most admirable commitment to strengthen and support others in great need.
Each year, Heart of Benjamin offers a unique summer camp program designed to give special-needs children a most memorable experience. With counselors accompanying campers, including those on wheelchairs and unable to walk, every child can participate in hikes, amusement park rides and all other activities of the program! However, giving this level of care requires significant resources, and Heart of Benjamin needs your help to cover logistical costs for this life-changing program. Please give to Heart of Benjamin TODAY to give special-needs campers summer programs they will cherish forever!
Learn more about the community of Ofra and their current projects.