New Jordan Valley Settlement 'Batron' Attracts Diverse Israelis

The new settlement of Batron in the Jordan Valley is taking shape, with 18 of the initial 20 families having already moved in. Located near Highway 90, overlooking the Jordan River and the border with Jordan, the settlement is under construction. Families are currently residing in temporary housing while infrastructure is being developed. Plans include a multi-purpose building for a synagogue and community center, a kindergarten, and a grocery store.

Batron was established as part of a government decision to create new settlements and strengthen existing ones, particularly along Israel's eastern border. The founding families come from various backgrounds across Israel, including the Jordan Valley, Holon, the North, and the South. Residents describe the population as a representative cross-section of Israeli society, not fitting into specific religious or secular categories.

For some, the move is deeply personal. One resident, whose younger brother was killed in Operation Protective Edge in 2014, sees Zionism and settlement as a response to his personal questions and a way to honor his brother's memory. The events of October 7th also reinforced his commitment to these foundational ideas. Many residents are former combat soldiers, and they view their presence near the border as a contribution to security.

The challenges include the distance from family and adapting to a new routine. Despite these difficulties, the families feel they are part of something larger, choosing to actively build something new in the wake of October 7th. Their vision for Batron in ten years includes a thriving community with green spaces, agriculture, and a strong sense of local life.