Israeli Family Successfully Grows Tropical Lychee Fruit in Jordan Valley

Naama and Omer Atidya, parents of seven, have been running the Givot Eden farm in the cooperative moshav Yitav in the Jordan Valley for over 20 years. Despite the region's hot, dry climate and minimal rainfall, they have managed to cultivate tropical fruits like lychee, a feat considered unlikely by many. The farm was established in 2004 on land abandoned during the Second Intifada due to harassment and vandalism of local farmers.

Initially living in a tent and without electricity for seven years, the Atidyas transformed the barren, trash-strewn land into a productive farm. They started with sheep, olives for oil, and date palms, leveraging the strategic location connecting Jerusalem and Jericho. Inspired by the desire to create a sense of freedom and paradise, they introduced tropical fruits such as lychee and mango, which evoke summer and leisure.

Growing these fruits in the Jordan Valley is challenging because while they require heat, excessive sun can damage them. After four years of cultivation, the family recently harvested their first successful lychee crop. Naama credits the excellent yield to the hard work of young workers, friends, and family who helped with the harvest. The farm symbolizes resilience and innovation in a difficult environment.