Ha-Solelim

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HA-SOLELIM

HA-SOLELIM (Heb. הַסּוֹלְלִים; "the Trail Blazers"), kibbutz in Lower Galilee, Israel, 5 mi. (8 km.) northwest of *Nazareth, affiliated with Iḥud ha-Kevuẓot ve-ha-Kibbutzim and aligned politically to Ha-No'ar ha-Ẓiyyoni (Independent Liberals) movement. It was founded in 1949 as the first Jewish settlement in the region. The original settlers were Israel-born and other veterans of World War ii, who were later joined by new immigrants from North America. In 1969 various fruit orchards, beef cattle, and field crops constituted its principal farm branches. The *Bet Netofah Storage Lake for the National Water Carrier is located near the kibbutz. Ha-Solelim was one of the first kibbutzim to introduce peripheral neighborhoods for nonmember residents who wished to enjoy rural life without being part of the collective. The kibbutz now operates as an association with cooperative activities in the fields of education, culture, welfare, and security. It also operates guest rooms and an art gallery. In 1968 it had 216 inhabitants. By the mid-1990s, the population had grown to approximately 305, and at the end of 2002, after expansion, it stood at 557.

website:

www.hasolelim.org.il.

[Efraim Orni /

Shaked Gilboa (2nd ed.)]