Surrounded by a peaceful desert landscape, away from the commotion of the city, Sde Bar is a quiet community where teenagers develop responsibility and emotional maturity through caring for animals and actively participating in the maintenance and development of the farm itself.
Sde Bar was founded by Yossi Sadeh, an officer in the Israel Defense Forces who oversees the farm's day-to-day operation. An ever-present role model for the young residents, Sadeh and an outstanding team of teachers, psychologists and social workers have created a uniquely encouraging atmosphere where alumni serve as "older brothers" and "sisters" who guide and support the younger "siblings."
The success of Sde Bar can be measured by the achievements of its alumni.
All of the community's residents enlist in the Israel Defense Forces; most serve in elite units and many become officers. On leave from the army, and upon completing their IDF service, they return to Sde Bar, for the community is truly their home.
Sde Bar is accredited by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
New residents are referred by the court system or by a network of social service institutions.
Winter, 1994. In the raw Jerusalem wind, three ragged, unwashed and exhausted teenage boys sit hunched at the edge of the pavement. None of them has a place to call home. Orphaned, abandoned or abused by their parents, rejected by teachers, principals, social workers and their own peers, they trust no one but themselves. They roam the streets, searching trash bins for food and seeking shelter from the elements in doorways and bus stops. Drugs and alcohol, purchased with whatever money they can steal, provide their only escape from the cold reality of their lives.
Gazing forlornly at the sidewalk, the boys suddenly see two feet in army boots planted firmly in front of them. They hear a soldier explaining that he has seen them wandering around in the neighborhood. The soldier, Yossi Sadeh, invites them to stay in his empty apartment during the week and spend time together when he is home on weekend leave. Although they are skeptical and suspicious at first, Sadeh reassures them that there is no catch, he wants nothing from them, and they can relax and accept his offer.
This spontaneous act of kindness was the beginning of Sde Bar.
Sadeh, quickly realizing that these boys needed far more than physical shelter, took it upon himself to provide them with a nurturing environment and a warm home. The boys responded positively to the care and attention. Eventually each one became an accomplished pupil and outstanding soldier in the IDF.
The rest is history.
Over the next nine years, the "family" grew to include120 boys and girls, moving several times to accommodate its expanding ranks. In 1998, Sde Bar was awarded official recognition and a permanent location in Gush Etzion from the Ministry of Welfare and Social Services.
Sde Bar is a working farm that provides a warm, nurturing living environment for young boys and girls who have no other place to call home. Since 1994, Sde Bar has been a real, stable home for tens of youngsters who have been orphaned or have suffered prolonged abuse, violence and poverty in dysfunctional families. After years of being shuttled between institutions and foster families or living on the street, these teenagers find a loving, permanent “family” at Sde Bar.
There are currently 200 teenagers who are desperately waiting to become part of the Sde Bar community. But we have no space or budget to accommodate them!
A RARE, HAPPPY ENDING
