The kibbutz of Ein Harod lies on the eastern part of the fertile
Jezreel Valley which runs across the southern edge of the
Galilee. This region is one of Palestine's most successful
agricultural districts. When you remember that you came
ashore packed as Agricultural Equipment,
you laugh. I must
be as valuable as a plow or shovel!
Most of the settlers at Ein Harod are German Jews, many of whom have been there for quite a few years. In the early days, they had to clear swamps, remove rocks from the fields, and protect themselves from hostile Arabs. Later, with the help of Henrietta Szold, they were joined by many German-Jewish children brought out of Europe by Youth Aliyah. Now, their fields yield abundant crops, but they are still afraid that the Arabs will attack, particularly after the state declares its independence.
You join these longtime Zionists. You learn Hebrew; you learn to tend the vegetable gardens; you also learn how to shoot a rifle, which turns out to be a useful skill. During Israel's War of Independence, the kibbutz is attacked, but you manage to repel the invaders. People fight fiercely. This is the only home they can ever have; there is nowhere else for them to go now that Hitler has ended the possibility of Jewish life in much of Europe.
After the War of Independence, you commit yourself to life at Ein Harod. You are happy to be among Jews who work together and care so strongly for each other.
END