Location: Gush Etzion Visitor’s Center, Kfar Etzion
Subject: Rosh Tzurim
Reference: Sefer Bamidbar Perek 23 Posuk 9
Written by: David Magence
Kibbutz Rosh Tzurim, whose name is taken from Bilam’s blessing, is located in Gush Etzion, and occupies the land of the original Kibbutz Ein Tzurim, which was established shortly before Rosh haShana 5707 (September 23, 1946).0
Prior to Israel’s Independence, Ein Tzurim was one of the four kibbutzim comprising the Etzion Bloc. The defenders of Ein Tzurim were forced to surrender to the Arab Legion the day Israel’s Independence was declared; and were sent to Jordan as prisoners of war.0
Until the Six Day War, the area was not accessible to Jews. In 1969, Rosh Tzurim was established on the site of the original Ein Tzurim.0
The Gush Etzion Visitor Center presents the history of Jewish settlement in the Gush Etzion area, starting with the establishment of Migdal Eder in 1927 through the re-establishment of Jewish settlement following the Six Day War.0
