Yifat

Yifat (Hebrew: יִפְעַת, more accurated romanized as "Yif'at") is a kibbutz in Galilee, northern Israel. Located adjacent to the town Migdal HaEmek and short distances from the cities of Afula and Nazareth. It falls under the jurisdiction of Jezreel Valley Regional Council. In 2006 it had a population of 717.

History

Kibbutz Yifat, 1960

The kibbutz was established in 1954 by members of Kvutzat HaSharon who previously lived in Ramat David, as well as former residents of Gevat, including Haim Gvati, later a government minister. It was initially named Ihud HaSharon - Gevat, but was later renamed after the biblical town of Yefia, as does the name of the Arab town of Yafa an-Naseriyye.

Economy

Nowadays, the economy of Yifat is based on light industry, agriculture, greenhouses, plant nurseries, cattle, sheep, and chickens, as well as some hospitality industry. The sixth-grade school “Western Valley” and a performing arts complex are located within the kibbutz, as is a museum dedicated to pioneer settlers.

Yifat houses a Hebrew ulpan for immigrants and would-be immigrants. Furthermore, Jewish and Gentile “volunteers” from many countries have served on the kibbutz. In earlier days, Yifat welcomed non-Jews from Germany among its visitors when most kibbutzim discriminated even against those born after World War II.

External links

• Official website (Hebrew)

Coordinates: 32°40′35.39″N 35°13′27.84″E / 32.6764972°N 35.2244000°E / 32.6764972; 35.2244000