Kibbutz Grofit

Kibbutz Grofit is located in the South of Israel in the Arava region, on a small hill, about 45 kilometers North of Eilat. The kibbutz was established as a temporary Nahal settlement in 1963, and three years later, kibbutz Grofit was officially established. The first members of Grofit were from "Garin Grofit" (A group of high school youth that gather together to fulfill a mission of joining a kibbutz or establishing a new one). They were graduates of Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed from Hakfar Hayarok, Kfar Sava, and more. The name "Grofit" means a young branch that was cut off from the very roots of an Olive tree or Sycamore tree, for a new planting. During the years, the kibbutz was based on vegetable crops for the local market and for export, and its members also worked in foreign jobs. After a few years, a chicken coop, dairy cowshed and dates plantations were established in Grofit. At the end of the 1980s, the "Grofit Plastic Factory" was established, which manufactures plastic bags with closure and other plastic products. Today, the economy of Grofit is mainly based on agriculture, industry and foreign works: Industry: kibbutz Grofit is a partner in "Ardag", which deals in Aquaculture, "Ardom dates" and "Ardom teleprocessing". In recent years, Grofit has entered into projects in the field of solar energy. Agriculture: field crops (onion, garlic, melon, watermelon, pumpkin, pumpkin, etc.), dates plantation and cowshed. Kibbutz Grofit counts 253 people. In Grofit there is an average of 10 international volunteers. The volunteers experience kibbutz life and contribute to society by being a part of the kibbutz. It is noteworthy that a considerable number of volunteers chose to stay and establish their family in Grofit. The cultural life in Grofit includes the observance of the Jewish holidays according to a tradition that took root in the place: festive evenings in the dining room, construction of a large Sukkah with children who help with decorations, a joint breakfast picnic on the family's day, a wild Purim party, and more... Every year Grofit celebrates the "farm holiday" which is the birthday of the kibbutz. In addition, there are cultural evenings, lectures and performances in the members' club, which serves as a social and family meeting place. Kibbutz Grofit offers a wide range of services such as: supermarket, dining Room, swimming pool, members' club – with a variety of activities and lectures, library, clinic and dental clinic.

In the fields of kibbutz Grofit, is the "Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center", which is a therapeutic horse Farm, in the desert landscape and near the ridge of the enchanting Jordan Mountains. The ranch provides a unique therapeutic experience for people who need riding therapy for rehabilitation and healing. Park Timna is a valley on the western edge of the southern steppe, about 25 kilometers north of Eilat. The valley, which has a horseshoe shape, covers an area of about 60 square kilometers, and is bordered by steep cliffs on three of its sides. It is drained by Nahal Tamna in the north and Nahal Nehushtan in the south, which flow into the Arabah to its east. In its center, Mount Timna rises to a height of 453 meters. Kasuy sand dunes are unique to the region. The dune was created as a result of strong winds, which swept with them over the millions of years small grains of sand originating from floods and many geological processes. There is a parking lot where you can spend the night and above it there is a huge sand dune. One of the most beautiful dunes in Israel! It is recommended to come with a cup of coffee and watch the sunset/sunrise from above. The climb to the top of the dune takes about 5 minutes. The place is open (free of charge) all year round and is defined as a nature reserve.

Work places on the Kibbutz: mainly for the dates' plantations

The living accommodation of the volunteers in the kibbutz: Each apartment has a bed for each person, a shower and nice toilets. A comfortable kitchen with everything you need to cook. ( The kitchen, the shower, toilet are for all the people living in the apartment). In terms of clothing, the workplace provides all the clothing needed for example in the plantation: they provide pants, shoes, gloves, shirts, protective glasses and more. In terms of bedding and the like, each volunteer receives two sets of Egypt, two towels and a winter blanket/summer blanket as needed. If there is a need for something more, there is always the option of getting more.