Expansion of processing facilities to accommodate the increase in fruit-producing trees combined with an educational center highlighting the biblical history and restoration of the land through agriculture.

The Background

Beit Hogla exists as an agricultural centerpiece in the middle of a significantly historical biblical site.  It was founded by Erna Covos (AKA Mrs. Jericho) after the Yeshiva she established at Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho was set afire in the wake of the Oslo Accords when the city was handed over to the Palestinian Authority.  Forced to evacuate for her own safety nineteen years ago, she was left on a desolate piece of land adjacent to the Mul Nevo IDF Army base in the ancient biblical Gilgal.  She erected a tent and discovered a freshwater spring there to support a well.

This is where Erna staked a claim as a force and inspiration, turning arid desert into what is now home to over 600 fully producing olive trees, 170 pomegranate trees, 300 assorted date palms, fig and papayas.    Beit Hogla is situated some 1.5 km from the Jordan River right at the northern edge of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth but spiritually, the highest. It is where the covenant with G~d by circumcision took place, where Elijah passed on the double portion to Elisha before ascending to heaven in a fiery chariot, and where Joshua on his way to conquer Jericho took off his sandals.

Erna Covos, a modern-day pioneer, organized volunteer efforts and is single-handedly responsible for having settled this land.  Five years ago, she and her husband, Yosef, survived a terror attack on Tisha B’Av which resulted in the arrival of four young Orthodox Jewish families adjacent to the farm.  Soon others joined and currently, twelve settler families are established with nine more slated to join them soon.