The story of the Galilee's early settlement
includes an interesting footnote, the Dubrovin Farm near
Yesod Ha'maala. The Dubrovin family came to the Land of
Israel from the Astrakhan region of Russia in the early
1900's. They were Sobotniks (known in Hebrew as
Sobotnikim), coverts from Christianity who kept the
Sabbath. After their conversion, they took Hebrew names;
the head of the family was called Yoav and his wife,
Rachel.
They moved north, from
Sejera, and bought
162.5 acres (650 dunams) near Yesod Ha'mala – and
established their farm there. They dug a well, began
farming the land and were quite successful, despite the
hardships and the fact that most of their children
succumbed to malaria from the nearby Hula swamps.
According to the contract with the Jewish
National Fund for the purchase of the land, there was a
clause that stipulated that if the family abandoned the
site due to malaria – they would not be reimbursed for
the full value of their asset. The head of the family,
Yoav, was 104 at the time of his death - and the family
never left the site. The last family member to live on
the farm, Yitzhak, gave the farm to the Jewish National
Fund, which restored the site and opened it as a tourist
attraction.
Though small, the reconstructed farm is a
nice place to visit. As you walk toward the entrance,
look on the left – at the well. As you enter the
compound you'll immediately note that it was built
around an internal courtyard, with buildings on all four
sides. Turn right and begin your self-guided tour.
There is a reconstruction of the Dubrovin's
living rooms, kitchen, as well as several rooms that
display some old documents, from the local archive. An
audiovisual program in English and Hebrew provides
historical background about Yesod Ha'maala
(presentations in other languages should be available
soon).
Jews from Poland established the nearby
village of Yesod Ha’maala in 1883, although the land was
purchased in 1872. This was one of the places where
attempts were made to grow silk
worms as well as roses. The first settlers dreamed
of creating a type of Riviera in the area, but the
reality was quite different and fraught with
hardship.
At the Dubrovin Farm you'll also find a
working potter, a blacksmith display and a non-kosher
restaurant, which is quite popular and requires advance
reservations.
Directions: The
Dubrovin Farm is located about 10 kilometers north east
of Rosh Pina – on Route # 9119, off Route # 90. From
Route # 90 turn toward Yessod Ha'maala and the Hula
Nature Reserve and follow the signs. Where the road
splits and the left part of the fork leads to the nature
reserve, you will want to take a right. Then drive until
you see another sign to the Dubrovin farm – turn right
and follow the road.
Dubrovin Farm:
04/ 693-7471,
04/693-7371 TEL
04/693-4390 FAX
Visiting Hours:
Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Entry fees: Adults,
12 NIS/pp, Children, 10 NIS/pp S, Soldiers 6 NIS/pp.
Ha'Achuza Restaurant (reservations are
recommended)
04/693-4495
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (lunch). The rest
of the week the restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM –
10:00 PM.
