Israel’s Negev Creates Mitzpe Yonatan in Honor of Fallen Officer Oct. 7 – Israel News

A new community in Israel’s Negev, Mitzpe Yonatan, was established to honor the memory of col. Yonatan Steinberg, the late commander of the Nahlah Brigade, who fell in battle during Hamas attacks on October 7the Hashomer Hahadash organization announced on Thursday.

He explained that the community was created to reflect Steinberg’s vision “for a revitalized and thriving Negev region, marking a significant milestone in the effort to strengthen Israel’s southern border.”

On October 7, Steinberg set out to fight the terrorists and was killed in a clash near Kerem Shalom.

The community has already become home to 20 young families “committed to pioneering and revitalizing the area,” said rural development and community building organization Hashomer Hahadash.

The organization elaborated the location of the new community, which has both strategic and symbolic significance.

Menorah during Hanukkah in a new community in the Negev in honor of fallen IDF officer Colonel Yonatan Steinberg (credit: Hashomer Hahadash)

Geographically, Mitzpe Yonatan connected the Negev with the Hebron Hills and the Judean desert, the organization said.

He added that historically, the area’s main route was known as the “Thieves’ Route” due to rampant criminal activities such as smuggling and theft. Consequently, by establishing what is expected to be a thriving community in the area, the initiative will reclaim the trail’s narrative.

Living in Mitzpe Yonatan

The families currently living in Miztpe Yonatan live in temporary trailer homes, but it appears that work is underway to turn the neighborhood into a permanent community.

Future developments will include agricultural initiatives such as vineyards, orchards, fields and sheep herds, the organization explained.

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“In a few years, Mitzpe Yonatan is expected to become a thriving community with a strong agricultural core,” he added.

Uri Sapir, vice president of community building and operations at Hashomer HaChadash, noted that strengthening Israel’s border communities was “one of the key lessons of the war.”

“Now is the time to return to the guiding principles of old and cherished Zionism – the strengthening of sparsely populated border regions,” Sapir said.

Yoel Zilberman, CEO and co-founder of Hashomer HaChadash added that “it is truly exciting to witness the first families establishing their homes in Mitzpe Yonatan, one of the unique locations in the country.”

“Now, more than ever, is the time to settle into outlying communities and build agriculture as a strong foundation for growth,” Zilberman concluded.