Sde Boker

Sde Boker is a kibbutz in the Negev desert of Israel. It is located in the central Negev, about 50 kilometers south of Beersheba.

Sde Boker was founded in 1952 by a group of young pioneers who were inspired by David Ben-Gurion's vision of developing the Negev. Ben-Gurion himself moved to Sde Boker in 1953 and lived there until his death in 1973, with only occasional periods of absence for his governmental duties. His home, known as "Tzrif Ben-Gurion" (Ben-Gurion's Hut), is now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.

The kibbutz initially struggled with the harsh desert conditions, but it eventually developed successful agricultural practices, particularly in the areas of jojoba and pistachio cultivation. Today, Sde Boker also has a thriving tourism industry, with visitors coming to see Ben-Gurion's home, learn about the Negev desert, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the kibbutz.

Sde Boker is also home to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, a leading research center focused on sustainable desert development and environmental studies. This institute significantly contributes to the intellectual and economic life of the area. The presence of the university adds a strong academic and research component to the community.

The kibbutz's name, "Sde Boker," translates to "rancher's field" or "farmer's field" in Hebrew.