Published: 20 August 2020
Last updated: 4 March 2024
A KIBBUTZ IN NORTHERN Israel has become a battleground over public access to a stream located inside its gates. Dozens of springs flow in the area east of Beit She’an, also known as Springs Valley, despite the extreme summer temperatures, and quite a few beautiful spots can be found among the golden fields. But only one stream has managed to draw such major attention for months on end now.
The Asi Stream, on the grounds of Kibbutz Nir David has been at the centre of a fight for years now, mainly by the residents of Beit She’an. After months of protests, demanding that the kibbutz allow the general public full access, Beit Shean’s mayor, Jackie Levy, and the head of the Emek Hama’aynot Regional Council, Yoram Karin, announced last week that part of the kilometre-long stream, also known as Amal Stream, would be opened to the public.
In a compromise deal, it was agreed that entry would be free and would comply with rules set during the coronavirus crisis. It was also agreed that a plan would be launched to have the stream flow through Beit She’an. The protesters said in response that the mayor of Beit She’an does not represent them and they want access to the entire stream.
FULL STORY Small piece of heaven locked behind kibbutz gates reveals Israel's deep social divides (Haaretz)
The story of Israel’s Ashkenazi supremacy in one river (972)
A river running through an Israeli kibbutz has turned into a site of controversy and violence that highlights how irrelevant the Zionist left has become
Photo: The Asi Stream and Kibbutz Nir David (Ofer Vaknin)
