In 1952, Ze'ev and Sima Tur Sinai established a farm in the Arazim Valley (Emek Ha'arazim), situated at the western entrance to Jerusalem. They planted fruit orchards, developed mountain agriculture, and established the water plant, which purified wastewater for irrigation. This week, a new chapter opened on the farm’s historic grounds as the "I Belong. Israel" (Masa Israeli) organization launched a venue on the site combining educational activities with hospitality services.
The village was launched at an event attended by the chairman of "I Belong. Israel," Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eliezer Shkedi, and the organization's founder and CEO, Uri Cohen. As part of the launch, the renovated hospitality inn was inaugurated, offering 232 beds across air-conditioned glamping tents, cabins, and guest rooms.
The village will primarily serve as a hostel for thousands of youth and soldiers participating in the organization’s educational journeys. Additionally, it will host summer camps, instructor training programs, and group facilitation courses. The site is now also opening to groups from the general public, who will be able to combine their stay with traditional craft workshops, introductions to medicinal plants, and guided tours of the surrounding region.
"I Belong. Israel" was established 22 years ago with the goal of strengthening Zionist and Israeli identity, as well as fostering a sense of belonging to both the land and society. The organization works primarily with schools, alongside the IDF, corporate entities, and community organizations.
Development at the site remains ongoing. Renovations of the Tur Sinai event hall are expected to conclude in about three months, and an educational agricultural farm is scheduled to open in the village in 2027.
"There is special meaning in continuing our activity specifically in a place that tells a story of pioneering, cultivating the land, and initiative," said Cohen. "We want to enable youth, soldiers, and groups from all sectors of society to meet here and get to know one another."