Ruth Dayan spoke about her early connection with Moshav Porat in the 1950's.
She became involved in working with the new immigrants through the Jewish Agency. Dvora Dayan organized women from various moshavim to provide training, primarily in agriculture.
Ruth recalled how she discovered the weaving potential among the women and dedicated herself to developing that craft.
She found handwoven fabrics produced by the women of Porat. From the beginning, it was clear there would be no commercial market for the cloth itself, but there was a strong desire to preserve the traditional patterns. As a result, she helped guide the women in transitioning to carpet weaving.
While the men of Porat quickly began working in agriculture, the women continued weaving for eight years.
Ruth remembered the people of Porat as a community of honest and deeply faithful individuals.
The elders of the community initially believed it might be possible to dig caves, as in their homeland, but they soon realized that the local terrain was unsuitable.
Each household had its own loom.
The traditional carpet colors were:
• Black – from black goats (or sheep),
• Red – dyed,
• White – from white sheep.
Over time, additional colors were introduced. The traditional patterns were preserved.
Rahamim Hajaj, the village secretary and head of the moshav, served as the community’s liaison.
Two women, Hana and Mazal - one senior, one younger - were sent to the United States to demonstrate weaving, following a Tel Aviv exhibition. They stayed in the U.S. for four months and became an attraction. They were hosted by Betty, the wife of the Israeli economic attaché and a friend of Ruth Dayan.
Ruth herself was responsible for supplying the raw materials, distributing them, and managing orders for the carpets.
Source: Archive of the Tel Mond Region Documentation Center, Visit of Ruth Dayan, July 16, 2000.