Kibbutz Zikim’s historic Beit Alami building, settled by Jewish pioneers 70 years ago, had stood empty and neglected. JNF Australia Sydney supporters and KKL-JNF made possible the structure’s restoration and renaissance as an ecological center. JNF Australia, KKL-JNF and Kibbutz Zikim inaugurated the renewed Beit Alami on May 22, 2019.
In Kibbutz Zikim on the Gaza border stands Beit Alami (Alami House) - a historic building used by Jewish pioneers that first settled the area 70 years ago. Thanks to the support of JNF Australia, the structure underwent renovations and acquired a new life as an ecological centre. Representatives of JNF Australia, KKL-JNF in Israel, and Kibbutz Zikkim, inaugurated the new-old centre in a festive ceremony on Wednesday, 22 May 2019.
Beit Alami was originally built during World War I by the Alami Family of Jerusalem, for use as a holiday home. It was abandoned in 1947 due to security tensions. In 1949, the young Zionist pioneers, who settled here and founded Kibbutz Zikim, inhabited the empty building.
Zami Peres, who has lived on Zikim for 60 years, told the visitors: “This was the first building on the kibbutz, and it was used for everything. The members slept and ate in it, and it included a children’s house, a library and a kitchen. Even the cows and horses had their place in it.”
The years passed, the kibbutz grew, and the old Arab building was abandoned and neglected in favor of more modern homes and facilities – until the kibbutz members, together with JNF Australia, decided to renovate it and turn it into a visitors’ center that would combine history, tourism, community and ecology.
Outgoing President of JNF Australia Peter Smaller, his incoming successor Marcus Rose and JNF Australia Director-General Dan Springer cut the ribbon and performed the ceremonial unveiling of the new project.
“It’s wonderful to see the project come to life after all the hard work that’s been invested in it,” said Peter Smaller. “We are committed to the Negev, and especially to the Gaza periphery communities, which are under constant attack. These communities symbolize everything that Israel represents.”
“The visitors’ center will not only strengthen the kibbutz community, it will also draw tourists to the area and serve as an educational focus for the study of nature, ecology and the environment,” added Dan Springer.
Visitors’ Center Director Sita Waisblutt described some of the plans for the future: “We will hold a variety of gatherings here for Kibbutz members and visitors from outside. There will be workshops and community events, with the emphasis on ecological seminars.”
Kibbutz Zikim’s Farm Coordinator Tal Mor added, “It’s exciting that after seventy years, we have resumed activities in the building where the kibbutz was actually founded, and have turned it into a place that has a major role in the life of the community today. This is a historic moment.”
“The visitors’ center is a wonderful example of a project that preserves history, while at the same time provides local people with new job opportunities, attracts visitors, and contributes to the life of the community,” said KKL-JNF Southern Region architect Nili Stern-Biber.
Conserving an old building is a complex task, as architect Zvika Pasternak explained: “This project combines the conservation of a historic structure with the creation of a space adapted for modern purposes such as conferences and workshops.”
Renovations included the restoration and completion of the original ceiling murals, repair of the original flooring, renovation of arches and pillars in the entrance lobby, and general redesign of the structure to provide maximum safety for visitors. However, this well-maintained and restored building has not forgotten its past. Each room bears a sign at its entrance informing visitors of its purpose in former times: youth clubhouse, classroom, children’s communal clothing-supply room, reading room, etc.
The building’s exterior has been repainted its original light brown color, not only in the interests of historical accuracy but also as an ecological declaration of the importance of blending into the environment. This color choice is also a necessary security measure, as it prevents the building from being a conspicuous target for fire from across the border.
The structure’s observation platform offers a view of the sea, the kibbutz buildings, the adjacent fields and the Gaza Strip, which is only about two kilometers away. It reveals the distinctive natural treasures surrounding the kibbutz: the Zikim Sand Dune Reserve, calcareous sandstone hills and Nahal Shikma Park.
The Alami family, who built the house about a century ago, were known for their moderate political views and their belief that Arabs and Jews could live together in the Land of Israel. “Let us hope that this building will communicate a message of peace between all peoples and religions,” said Zami Peres in conclusion, expressing an aspiration shared by many.