Sdeh Bar Farm
Sdeh Bar Ranch
שדה בר | |
|---|---|
 Sdeh Bar Ranch | |
 | |
| District | Judea and Samaria Area |
| Region | West Bank |
| Population (2011) | |
Sdeh Bar Ranch (Hebrew: חַוַּת שְׂדֶה בָּר, Havat Sdeh Bar) is a residential children's home dedicated to the rehabilitation of boys at risk ׁׂׂׂ(NGO).[1]
Founded in 1998, the 25-acre ranch provides a unique therapeutic approach, allowing the troubled youth to rebuild their sense of security and re-establish their trust in themselves and their peers, so that they can become contributing members of society.
In addition to professional therapy and education, the ranch utilizes a peer-driven decision-making model that incorporates skill-building activities like farming and horseback riding with creative outlets like music and sports. Unlike other establishments, the boys can continue living on the ranch after turning 18.
The ranch is an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Originally an Israeli outpost, it has been retroactively designated a suburb of Nokdim, located adjacent to the Palestinian village of Jubbet ad-Dib.[2] Located south of Bethlehem near the foothills of Herodium,[3] it falls under the jurisdiction of Gush Etzion Regional Council.
The international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, but the Israeli government disputes this.[4]
History
[edit]Sdeh Bar was established in 1998 as an outpost from Nokdim. It was retroactively authorised in 2005 as a neighborhood of Nokdim.[2]
Sde Bar includes a residential program for troubled young Israeli men who lack familial support. It was run by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services.[5] The head of the program, Yossi Sadeh, was nominated to light a torch at the Israeli national independence day ceremony. Allegations of drug usage and sexual abuse arose against Sadeh, which led to the invitation being rescinded and the program lost state funding[2]. Later the police investigation was closed due to "lack of blame". Following the media attention, the minister of social affairs formed a committee to look into the operations of the Ranch.[6] The committee concluded that the "Sade-Bar" Ranch was unsuitable to house minors referred by the state, citing its failure to operate in accordance with the norms expected of both public institutions and educational-therapeutic facilities. Additionally, Mr. Sade's "anti-establishment" conduct, including his refusal to adhere to any regulations or documentation practices, fostered a divisive "us versus them" culture, which labeled outsiders—such as state institutions, the police, and departing campers—as hostile threats. [7]
Baruch Feldbaum, head of security at Sdeh Bar, was convicted of assaulting and injuring Palestinians in aggravated circumstances after an altercation with shepherds at the settlement.[5]
Since 2012 a boutique dairy restaurant has been operating at the settlement.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Sdeh Bar Ranch". Guidestar. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ a b c O'Connor, Anne-Marie. "20 minutes from modern Jerusalem, a Palestinian village is stranded in the past". Retrieved 5 July 2017.
- ^ "Sde Bar - gush etzion tourism". Retrieved 5 July 2017.
- ^ "The Geneva Convention". BBC News. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2010.
- ^ a b Shragai, Nadav. "Begging Their Pardon". Haaretz. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
- ^ Libskind, Kalman. "ועדה תבדוק התנהלות יוסי שדה בחוותו". Makor Rishon. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ Channel 2 News (2010-04-07). יוסי שדה מגיב על פרשת שדה בר בראיון בלעדי לערוץ 2. Retrieved 2024-11-21 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Amit, Hagai. "Life in a Bubble in the West Bank Settlements". Haaretz. Retrieved 5 July 2017.