The Story of Kibbutz Mefalsim

South American Pioneers Paving the Way in the Negev

Founded in 1949 on the edge of the Negev, Kibbutz Mefalsim became the first settlement established by South American pioneers in Israel. Most of its founders were members of the Dror youth movement from Argentina and Uruguay, who came with the vision of helping build a new life in their renewed homeland.

The name Mefalsim (“those who pave the way”) honors the people who opened new paths for immigration from Latin America.

Originally established on a kurkar hill facing the Gaza border, the kibbutz was later moved to its current location after repeated gunfire from the direction of Beit Hanun.

Today, Mefalsim remains part of the story of the Negev - a place shaped by pioneering, resilience, and continuity.

Photo by Abraham Malavsky • Israel Preker via the PikiWiki – Israel free image collection project (from the Mefalsim Archive via the KKL Archive)