Kibbutz Magen was founded as one of the first communities to root in the western Negev. Founded in 1949, less than a year after the State of Israel was declared, the area was claimed by young Jewish pioneers- Sabras and Romanian Olim. The two groups exemplified what could become of Israel- an egalitarian society that welcomes diversity and solidarity. Seventy-five years later, with countless ups and downs, Kibbutz Magen flourished into a vibrant and active community of 450 Jews, a third of whom are under 18 and 30% are Prime Timers (>62). Kibbutz Magen's forefathers and mothers chose the name Magen- Shield in English- to represent their role in the shaping of the new state.
The community's elders claim that their success as a community lies in their solidarity and cohesion as a collective, even in the 21st century.
We're marking our 75th anniversary this year. Sadness and pain taint the celebration but our vision and aspirations give us hope.
The kibbutz's financial stability has been solidifying in the last decade. Magen's community opened itself to change and progress, integrating new families until completing a privatization process in mid-2023. Until that point, Magen's collective structure was impeded by the outdated financial model stifling growth opportunities. Magen's income sources are agriculture (field crops, orchards, and a cowshed), industry (automobile repair shop), and Magen Eco Energy factory for solar energy systems.
On Oct. 7th, 2023, Fifty Hamas terrorists headed to the kibbutz with one goal- to kill, kidnap and rape as many Jews as possible. As the bloodthirsty terrorists arrived at the kibbutz, they were met by a brave and ferocious Ready unit prepared to protect their community with their lives. After long hours of face-to-face combat, the Ready unit prevented the terrorists from infiltrating the peaceful community. Two kibbutz members were murdered. The kibbutz's executive branch suffered a devastating blow. The Community manager was kidnapped to Gaza with her children, a kibbutz member was kidnapped with her spouse while staying at another kibbutz. The community members were locked in the saferooms for 24 hours and long hours until the Israeli military declared the kibbutz compound free of terrorists. The shattered and traumatized community was displaced to a hotel in the Dead Sea for six months.
Looking to the future is the only thing left to do for kibbutz Magen. As we rise from bereavement and despair, we turn the table on our narrative. We are returning home! By July 2024, the entire community will have returned.
We're determined to leverage existing opportunities for development, population growth, and financial stability.
We seek new growth engines to propel our community forward with security and stability.
We invite you to participate in rebuilding Kibbutz Magen and the people who make it a community.
Help us transform the ruin into a future. Help us claim back our home.
Making a donation to Kibbutz Magen's rehabilitation is simple
Credit cards -
Donations can be transferred with all credit cards (except American Express) by clicking on the 'Donate Now' button. A receipt will be sent to your email after completing that transaction.
Please note - you can choose the payment currency and the percentage of the tip for the website operation.
Tax deductable bank transfers -
For tax-deductable bank transfers, please press here.
When you donate, be sure to mark in the "notes" of the wire the Kibbutz name.
You can also email us at banktransfers@israelgives.org to let us know to which Kibbutz you'd like to allocate the donation.
For additional instructions, click here.
Direct bank transfers -
International bank transfers can be made directly to Kibbutz Magen's bank account, however, a receipt will not be sent for tax-deductable purposes:
Kibbutz Magen
Bank Hapoalim B.M (12)
Branch 600
Account 651800
IBAN IL560126000000000651800
SWIFT POALILIT
For further inquiries, please contact Sharon or Alon
