GUSH ETZION-HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The history of the region dates as far back as the biblical Land of Israel. Gush Etzion has been a witness to the journeys of our forefathers, the visions of prophets and kings,and the battles of Bar Kochba . Early pioneers made brave attempts to settle the area during the last century. In the 1940s four small communities were established. However, they were totally destroyed by the Jordanian Legion during the 1948 War of Independence. Nineteen years later, following the Six Day War, the sons and daughters of the original pioneers returned.
THE GUSH ETZION FOUNDATION
The Gush Etzion Foundation was established in 1997 to assist and promote the communities and residents of Gush Etzion. Today there are 25,000 residents in 24 communities. The Foundation raises funds to promote general education &special education projects, reinforce welfare, religious and security services and preserve the history and heritage of Gush Etzion.