Haggai Shitzer Reflects on Founding Golan Settlement Ma'ale Gamla and Lifelong Agricultural Work

Haggai Shitzer, one of the founders of the Golan Heights settlement Ma'ale Gamla, recounts the early days of establishing his agricultural farm and his commitment to self-reliance in an interview conducted as part of the "Documentation of Pioneers and Founders of the Settlement" project. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Heritage and the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, aims to preserve the stories of early settlers across regions including the Jordan Valley, Judea, Samaria, Benjamin, the Golan, and the Galilee.

Shitzer explains that for 15 years he maintained his farm without any hired workers, a practice he continues today, working alongside his son who has adopted his methods. He emphasizes his deep connection to the land and his refusal to leave despite discussions about evacuating the Golan. He recalls a moment when journalists questioned why he settled in what they considered a barren area, to which he responded by highlighting his production of 300 tons of crops that feed half of Tiberias.

Having lived on the land for 40 years, Shitzer describes his life as one of independence and fulfillment, managing his orchards and beehives without a manager or workers. He notes the presence of a spring where his children built a pool and expresses satisfaction with his work, stating he could retire but prefers the autonomy and responsibility his lifestyle affords. The full interview is part of a larger collection documenting the experiences of Israel's settlement pioneers.