Moshav Porat – Founding and Development
Orna Rozitzky-Hadas, “Shabashabat Lev HaSharon,” Issue No. 12
Moshav Porat was established on April 17, 1950. It is located within the historic territory of the Tribe of Ephraim - its name deriving from the biblical phrase “Ben Porat Yosef” - and poetically echoing the Hebrew word porah (fruitful).
The founding families of Porat came to Israel from Libya, primarily from Gharyan and Tripoli. They initially settled in the immigrant transit camp in Binyamina. Two of the future leaders, Chai Haddad and Rahamim Hajaj, studied Hebrew in the ulpan at Pardesiya. After three months, they gathered the Libyan immigrants and presented the Jewish Agency’s proposal: to establish a religious workers’ moshav, complete with a religious school, a mikveh, and a synagogue, with no labor on Shabbat. Twenty-five families joined the initiative, despite having no prior agricultural experience - most had worked as jewelers, traders, or artisans in Libya.
On July 22, 1949, the group relocated to Kfar Yavetz, then inhabited by members of the “Netzer Yissachar” group. The new settlers pitched tents around the “Shechterman House.” Families with small children were housed inside the building, which also served as a kindergarten and school. Class divisions were not age-based, and older children helped teach the younger ones. The adults worked in public works projects by day and performed security duties at night. The community shared one horse-drawn wagon, which served both as transportation and emergency ambulance - many children were nearly born in it.
While still living in Kfar Yavetz, the families began building their homes in Porat. On April 17, 1950, they officially took residence on their new land. Plots were pre-allocated, each averaging 12 dunams. Temporary tents stood beside homes under construction, which were later replaced by wooden cabins. A central hut functioned as the school (three classrooms), dining hall, kitchen, and community center.
Initially, residents continued in public works or worked as hired laborers in agriculture or at the Rosh HaAyin quarry. Slowly, they transitioned to farming. In the early years, they grew potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and radishes. Later, they expanded to tomatoes, cucumbers, and peanuts. At night, entire families would gather under kerosene lanterns to pluck peanuts by hand. Before holidays, fathers would sell their produce in Pardesiya and use the earnings to purchase holiday goods.
Two years after the founding, the settlers received small cowsheds and a single cart. Later, they constructed small chicken coops housing around 50 birds. During harsh winters, storms destroyed many coops, and chicks died from the cold. In one notable incident, a cow was stolen by an Arab resident of Kalansuwa. Rahamim Hajaj confronted the village sheikh, warning: “If the cow is not returned within three days - we will take matters into our own hands!” The cow was soon returned - with a calf.
Though the early years were challenging, the community persevered. For years, they preserved Libyan-Jewish traditions: On the eve of a brit milah, families would recite from the Zohar for the mother’s health, followed by a festive gathering. During the brit, a white cloth was tied to the baby’s forehead with a dried clove sewn inside - a tradition believed to prevent fainting. Brides wore special necklaces made from fragrant ambar shrubs.
At home, parents spoke Libyan-Arabic with their children. In school, Hebrew vocabulary was taught with Arabic translations, often sung together. In the mid-1950's, Shechterman School was formally established, with classes divided by age. Outside school hours - and sometimes during them - children assisted with farm work.
Over time, the moshav’s daughters began working outside the community and met partners from other ethnic backgrounds. Initially, mixed marriages were viewed with suspicion, but attitudes evolved, and outsiders were gradually embraced.
Porat now has multiple synagogues, both due to the high number of worshipers and the geographical spread of the moshav. Ilan Guy, head of the expansion committee and a member of the moshav administration, provided an update on current developments:
• Porat has 91 family farms, with about 20 now including second-generation residents.
• An additional 15 residents live outside farm plots.
• 64 farms remain active in agriculture.
• The community association handles municipal affairs, including education, culture, sports, religion, security, and development.
• An agricultural union manages all farming operations and provides accounting services.
• A debt settlement process with “Hamashkem” is currently underway, supported by the moshav.
As part of the expansion project, 125 new residential units will be built. Initial infrastructure work is complete. 118 households have opened files with the Israel Land Authority, and around 12 homes are under construction. Most new residents are returning children of Porat, with 15 new families from outside the community accepted as well.
Upcoming tenders include the sewer infrastructure for the expansion, which will also eventually connect the existing moshav. Additional tenders will cover underground and surface infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, lighting, and bicycle paths.
Porat enjoys a vibrant youth and cultural life. Zohar Hajaj, a native son, now leads youth and community programming, supported by the cultural committee. Senior residents benefit from programming offered by the regional council. The current administration building will soon be converted into a senior center.
Through the “Strengthening Project” for moshavim, Porat also hosts adult education, a learning center, and an early childhood facility. On behalf of the entire community, Ilan Guy expressed deep appreciation to Bliha Lev Tov, coordinator of the Strengthening Project, for her dedicated work, as well as to the Ministry of Housing and the Lev HaSharon Regional Council for their continued support.