Beitrun: New Jordan Valley community takes shape as founding families move in

Beitrun, a new moshav in the Jordan Valley, is beginning to take shape. Eighteen of its 20 founding families have already moved in, turning a largely undeveloped site into a growing community.

Located near Highway 90, overlooking the valley and the border fence with Jordan, the community remains under construction. Families are living in temporary homes while infrastructure is installed. Plans include a multipurpose building that will serve as a synagogue and community center, alongside a kindergarten, grocery store and other local services.

The moshav was established under a security cabinet decision to create new settlements and expand settlement activity in the West Bank, with the stated aim of strengthening Israel’s eastern border.

The founding families come from across the country, including the Jordan Valley, Holon, northern Israel and the south. Residents describe a community that brings together people from different backgrounds rather than fitting a single social or religious profile.

One family arrived just a week ago, moving into a compact home with three bedrooms and a small living room while construction continued around them. Despite the cramped conditions, they see the move as the first step toward building a permanent home.

For resident Ben, the decision also has deeply personal roots. His younger brother, Staff Sgt. Gal Basson, was killed in combat during Operation Protective Edge in July 2014. Ben says the loss left him searching for answers and ultimately strengthened his commitment to Zionism.

The October 7 attack brought those convictions back into focus, reinforcing his desire to help establish a new community. When the opportunity arose, he decided to take it.

Security is a central concern for residents living close to the border. They see their presence as contributing to security in the area and say many members of the community have served in combat units and have weapons training. In their view, the settlement’s position above Highway 90 also offers reassurance to people traveling along the road.

For some families, the hardest adjustment has been moving away from parents, siblings and friends. Establishing a life in Beitrun means adapting to unfamiliar surroundings while the community’s homes and services are still taking shape.

Residents nevertheless describe a shared sense of purpose. In the aftermath of October 7, they wanted to turn their desire for change into something tangible.