Founders of Anata Settlement Recall Harsh Beginnings and Skepticism in 1982

Dr. Shimona Fogel and her husband Aharon, founders of the Anata settlement, shared their experiences of the settlement's establishment and the challenges they faced. Their interview is part of the "Documentation of Pioneers and Founders of the Settlement" project, an initiative by the Ministry of Heritage and the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel. This project aims to preserve the stories of early settlers across regions including the Jordan Valley, Judea, Samaria, Benjamin, the Golan, and the Galilee through hundreds of interviews conducted by Mordy Kreshner and Noam Damski.

Dr. Fogel recounted receiving a call in August 1982 informing them about moving to the land. The site lacked basic infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity. She agreed to move only after being promised a road from Hizma's main road to the settlement area, along with a tent, soldiers, and water, though electricity was not provided. The settlement ceremony took place on the 6th of Av, with caravans brought from Kibbutz Yitav, which were slated for demolition. Only two families lived there initially, including the Fogels with their two children, enduring harsh conditions without electricity or refrigeration. Dr. Fogel described their life as living in "a kind of nowhere," noting that Aharon's parents thought they were completely irrational for undertaking this.

The project’s goal is to document these foundational moments and preserve the legacy of Israel’s settlement pioneers for future generations. The full interview is available as part of the "The Pioneers" series.