Message From The Founder of Neot Kedumim

It is with a mixture of emotions that I look back on the past year. I feel great joy over the thriving partnership between the work we do here in Israel and the work of American Friends of Neot Kedumim. Our growth is measured both in terms of numbers of visitors and self-generated income, and new programming. As you read through this report, you too will get a sense of the vitality of both organizations, the wide range of our projects, and the work we are doing together to achieve our present and future goals.

Just as Neot Kedumim continues to grow and flourish, I am delighted to be able to tell you about the growth of our US partner, American Friends of Neot Kedumim.  It is due to the energy and innovation of AFNK’s president, Paula Tobenfeld, that has led to a successful working relationship. This relationship has produced a series of educational materials that extend the learning experience of Neot Kedumim. Paula is sought after by schools, synagogues, churches and community groups throughout the United States . We hope to extend this range via distance training with educators and lay leaders around the world.

Another emotion which must be mentioned is a sense of frustration. It is frustrating to think that inadequate government funding throughout Israel is keeping schoolchildren away from Neot Kedumim. It is frustrating knowing that our precious water reservoirs are in a state of danger due to lack of sufficient funds. U nfortunately, we need more donors to step forward to make up for the short-falls of government funding. We have not yet achieved the financial independence that will allow us to move into the future, striking that delicate balance between maintaining what we have already created with what we hope to achieve.

On a more positive note, it is thanks to the hard work of our staff and to the friends of NK that we are on a firmer financial foundation today than we were last year.  We are now less dependant upon the government than in the past.  This is very important, since the government has curtailed its support of all cultural institutions in Israel. 

It is indeed a blessing to be able to leave my office during the day, and to walk the hills and valleys of Neot Kedumim. I grew up helping my parents in every part of their lifelong study of plants of the Bible and Rabbinic literature. Since childhood, I knew my mission in this world was to continue to develop this unique research by putting every possible effort into realizing their original dream. Walking Neot Kedumim’s trails gives not just a sense of looking at the land, but of being in the land. The Bible conveys its ideas not in abstract terms, but through a clear and vivid record of long human interaction with the land.

This past year, we have germinated and planted endangered lilies given to us by Ben Gurion University of the Negev, and grown special wild wheat (the “mother” of the cultivated wheat) supplied by the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens. We are sought out by institutions involved in culture, science, history and biblical heritage throughout Israel and other countries. We continue our goal of integrating the vision of Neot Kedumim with the vision of Israel.

I am further blessed by an intensely dedicated staff headed by Director Shlomo Teitelbaum. Despite our financial challenges, each staff member faces both the present and the future with ever-present optimism and hope. I share their optimism, and look forward to continued growth, research, outreach, and teaching. It is because of our wonderfully supportive and generous donors around the world that this progress was achieved and will, hope fully, continue. 

With much appreciation,
Nogah Hareuveni