Key Takeaways
- The Galilee Eco Center is developing a regenerative agriculture and ecological education campus in Israel’s Upper Galilee.
- Founded by a group of Olim, the initiative draws inspiration from U.S.-based Jewish farming and learning centers.
- The project has faced regulatory, compliance, and bureaucratic challenges common to Israeli agricultural development.
- The organization is now formally registered in Israel and the U.S. and is building governance capacity.
- Educational programs will combine regenerative farming with Jewish learning and community engagement.
Tu B’Shvat Marks a Milestone for Galilee Eco Center Initiative
As Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, approaches on February 1, the Galilee Eco Center is entering a formative phase in its development. Located in Israel’s Upper Galilee near Rosh Pina, the initiative is focused on establishing a regenerative agriculture and ecological education campus rooted in Jewish tradition and land stewardship.
The project began roughly one year ago as an informal idea among friends seeking to create an Israel-based counterpart to American Jewish farm and learning centers. Over time, the concept transitioned into an operational effort involving land partnerships, fundraising, and formal registration.
“In the United States, organizations like Adamah helped prove that Jewish farming, education, and environmental responsibility could thrive together,” said Ariela Solomon, Founder and CEO of the Galilee Eco Center. “We asked a simple question: Why shouldn’t this exist in Israel, our ancestral homeland?”
Galilee Eco Center: Navigating Regulatory and Operational Challenges
While early fundraising efforts were successful and land access was secured, the founders encountered complex regulatory and compliance requirements. These included strict agricultural regulations, drone-based enforcement practices, unanticipated compliance costs, and multi-layered approval processes involving several government authorities.
“Farming in Israel is not for the faint of heart,” said Dr. Yael Maoz, Chair of the Galilee Eco Center’s board. “But Tu B’Shvat teaches us that growth comes through patience, persistence, and long-term commitment to the land.”
The organization traces its origins to Tu B’Shvat 2024, when its predecessor initiative, Chevra Eco Farm, raised $15,000 through grassroots crowdfunding despite lacking a permanent site or nonprofit status at the time.
Building Institutional Capacity and Educational Programming
Today, the Galilee Eco Center is a registered Israeli amuta and a U.S. 501(c)(3), developing a 22-dunam campus. In response to operational challenges, the founders have expanded their executive board across Israel and North America, adding expertise in agriculture, education, environmental policy, and nonprofit governance.
Focus on Education, Volunteering, and Regenerative Practices
The Center plans to host informal educational programs, volunteer activities, and service-learning opportunities for youth and adults. Its approach integrates regenerative farming methods—still relatively uncommon in a region dominated by monoculture—with pluralistic Jewish learning connected to the mitzvot of the Land.
“Our goal isn’t only to grow food,” said founder Avi Friedman. “It’s to grow responsibility, resilience, and connection to the land and to one another.”
Looking ahead, the Galilee Eco Center views collaboration with established partners in Israel and North America as central to advancing its long-term ecological and educational objectives.
