Planting Roots in Community

Spring has arrived at Ziva’s Farm at GCI by JNF, with budding fruit trees, fragrant herbs, and vibrant wildflowers filling the landscape. The berry garden is ready to be planted, grape vines are taking root, and winter crops like beets, kale, and lettuce are wrapping up their season. Some have already been harvested and shared with the Kibbutz Gonen community. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they received fresh produce from nearby fields was deeply meaningful and marked an important first step in strengthening our connection with the local community.

During delays caused by the war, the team has focused on planning the farm’s design, crop rotations, and infrastructure, including converting the entrance barn into a visitor center.  As summer nears, we hope to begin the next phase, guided by a renewed emphasis on preparation, community connection, food security, and long-term resilience. By using this period to plan wisely, we are laying strong foundations for a farm that will sustain and serve our community well into the future.