Historic 'White House' Retreat Reopens as Holistic Healing Center
Arza, a historic retreat center in Motza Illit, has reopened after nearly 30 years of neglect, reimagined as a holistic center for body and mind healing, workshops, and cultural events. Originally envisioned by Theodor Herzl in 1898 as a sanatorium and established in 1927, the site, designed by architect Yosef Berlin to resemble the White House in Washington, D.C., once hosted pioneers and prominent figures, including Golda Meir.
The new vision for Arza is spearheaded by Haya Kimelman, one of its owners, who has a deep personal connection to the place, having worked there as a child. Her return to Arza gained profound significance after she lost 28 close friends in the October 7th Hamas attack. Kimelman sees the center's revival as a path to healing not just for individuals but also for the collective trauma experienced by Israelis.
The center, now called 'Beit Chalutzei Ha'Or' (House of the Pioneers of Light), offers a range of services including trauma therapy, mindfulness workshops, and creative activities. It features dedicated spaces named in memory of those lost on October 7th and in subsequent security operations, such as a dance studio honoring fallen dancer Shani Luk, a music studio for Matan Elmalem, and a leadership library for Major Arnon Zmora. The center also aims to provide accessible therapeutic support for survivors of the Nova music festival.
Beyond therapeutic offerings, Arza is designed as a versatile space for families, organizations, and events. It includes a cafe named 'Moreshet' (Heritage) and hosts activities like story time with therapy dogs. The business model prioritizes reinvesting profits into therapeutic programs, particularly for the Nova community, addressing a perceived gap in accessible mental health services in their area.
The revival of Arza connects its historical purpose of providing rest and rejuvenation for nation-builders with a contemporary mission of healing and fostering community resilience in the face of national trauma.
