Ora

Southwest of the bustling city of Jerusalem, the moshav Ora rests peacefully. Have you ever heard of a village built on radiance? Ora, whose name means “Radiance” in Hebrew, is just that. It was established in 1950 by Jewish immigrants from Yemen. These pioneers settled on land that once belonged to the Palestinian village of al-Jura. Ora’s name, inspired by the Book of Esther, signifies a time of light and hope for the Jewish people. The early days of Ora were challenging. The first settlers lived in tents, facing hardships like lack of running water and electricity. They persevered, fueled by their vision of a thriving community. By 1954, only thirteen families remained. However, a generous donation from Percy Newman, a British Jewish industrialist, breathed new life into Ora. The funds allowed for the purchase of more land, enabling the moshav to expand and welcome new families, particularly from North Africa. The residents began poultry farming, laying the foundation for Ora’s future prosperity. Life in early Ora wasn’t easy. Residents often walked or rode donkeys to reach Beit VeGan, the nearest neighborhood before Kiryat HaYovel was established. Imagine the resilience and determination of these early settlers, transforming a barren landscape into a vibrant community. The 1990s brought a wave of Russian immigrants to Israel, further invigorating Ora. The moshav’s egg production soared, increasing from 300 million to an impressive 500 million eggs a year. Today, Ora stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders. A quiet village southwest of Jerusalem, it offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and proximity to the vibrant city. Ora, the village born from radiance, continues to shine.