District Jerusalem Affiliation Kibbutz Movement Local time Thursday 8:04 PM | Council Mateh Yehuda Founded 1948 | |
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Founded by Demobbed Palmach soldiers Area 12,000 dunams (12 km or 5 sq mi) Weather 11°C, Wind W at 3 km/h, 80% Humidity | ||
Harel (Hebrew: הַרְאֵל, lit. Mountain of God) is a kibbutz in central Israel. Located near Latrun with an area of 12,000 dunams, it falls under the jurisdiction of Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. In 2015 it had a population of 247.
Contents
Map of Harel, Israel
History
The village was established in 1948 in the Judean Hills on the land of the depopulated Arab village of Bayt Jiz. It was named for the Harel Brigade of the Palmach. The founders were demobilised Palmach soldiers and immigrants from Poland and Hungary.
The building where Yitzhak Rabin commanded the Harel Brigade in 1948 is located on the grounds of the kibbutz. A pre-Roman wine press was discovered in the kibbutz vineyards.
Clos de Gat winery, established in 1998, produces around 90,000 bottles annually. The grapes come from 130 dunams of vineyards on the outskirts of the kibbutz.