The ballad of Yoel De Malach
One man’s life-long project to make Negev desert bloom captured in photos
In 1943 De Malach traveled south to the Negev, where he founded Revivim, one of the desert’s first kibbutzim.
He dedicated his life to the development of desert agriculture, and in 1997 he was awarded the Israel Prize for his efforts in this field.
Below are photos depicting De Malach’s life-long project to make the wilderness bloom.
De Malach and his friends are sent to help pick tomatoes in Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov in the Jordan Valley
Three new Negev settlements are established in 1943: Revivim, Gvulot and Beit Eshel. De Malach’s group joins members of Revivim and settles near Bir Asluj
Reservoir in Revivim
De Malach grows vegetables in the heart of the Negev desert and begins experimenting. The result: Potato weighing 1 kilogram
In 1947, while the UN was discussing the partition of the Land of Israel, UNESCOP representatives arrived to inquire as to whether Jews were really able to settle in the Negev
De Malach receives word of the UNESCOP mission and waters the kibbutz’s gladiolus garden - the UN members get the impression that the Jewish settlement is blossoming
In 1952 De Malach moves to Jerusalem to study Botany at Hebrew University. During his studies he explores Nabatean agriculture in Ovdat and Shivta, but finds that ancient methods cannot be applied to modern agriculture
During the 1970s a huge water reservoir is discovered in the Negev, prompting De Malach to examine new irrigation methods; this research leads to the development of desert crops and the fishing industry. Photo: Former President Yitzhak Navon briefed by De Malach
De Malach with friend and former Knesset Member Lova Eliav (left) and former Egyptian Ambassador to Israel Muhammad Bassiouni (in suit)
De Malach passed away a year ago. The Ramat Negev Desert AgroResearch Center, located near Kibbutz Revivim, will be named after him during a ceremony scheduled for late January
