Samar, Israel

Samar

Sports field
Samar
Coordinates: 29°49′59.52″N 35°1′18.84″E / 29.8332000°N 35.0219000°ECoordinates: 29°49′59.52″N 35°1′18.84″E / 29.8332000°N 35.0219000°E
Region Arabah
Affiliation Kibbutz Movement
Founded 1976
Founded by Hashomer Hatzair members

Samar (Hebrew: סָמָר) is a kibbutz in the Arabah valley in the far south of Israel. Located near Eilat, it falls under the jurisdiction of Hevel Eilot Regional Council.

History

The kibbutz was founded in 1976 by gar'in from other kibbutzim who wanted to form a different kind of community. The name "Samar" is borrowed from a plant that grows in the Arabah and near the Dead Sea.

Samar is one of the few kibbutzim that continues to maintain a lifestyle consistent with the original socialist ideals of the kibbutz movement. About 50 to 100 families live there as of 2007.

Economy

Kibbutz Samar is primarily engaged in growing and exporting organic dates. Dates from Kibbutz Samar and other kibbutzim in the Ardom Co-op can be purchased in the United States at Mrs. Green's Natural Market.[1]

Infrastructure

Electricity

Most of Samar's electricity is set to be provided by a 30 m solar power tower that provided 100 kilowatts of energy, as well as the kibbutz's heating needs. The tower was built by the company AORA, sits on 2 dunams (0.2 hectares), and includes 30 mirrors.[2]

See also

Gallery

References