Founded in 1983 by a group of religious pioneers, Otniel is a resilient and spiritually vibrant community located in the Hebron Hills region of Judea. The community was established near the biblical site of ancient Dvir and was named after Otniel Ben Knaz, the first Biblical Judge for the Children of Israel. Surrounded by hostile Arab villages and having endured multiple deadly terrorist attacks, more than several of which have cost the lives of prominent residents in the community, Otniel and its more than 900 pioneers continue to thrive and prosper against the odds. Its local Yeshiva (religious academy for males), which integrates Torah study with military service, exemplifies the community’s commitment to upholding the Bible and cultivating the Land of Israel.