The physical bonds between the nation and the land were strengthened today with the dedication ceremony of a new water reservoir outside Beit Yatir, south of Hevron. The reservoir is situated in the country\'s largest planted forest, the Yatir Forest, most of which is on the pre-1967 side of the Green Line (the Negev). The new basin was initiated by the Yatir Region farming communities - Carmel, Maon, and Beit Yatir - and will serve their agricultural needs. The region produces cherries, nectarines, apples, and high-quality wines. Between 3-5 new families are expected within the coming weeks to join the 60 that already live in Beit Yatir.
Shlomo Gravitz, Chairman of the Jewish National Fund, said at today\'s ceremony, \"The development of water resources throughout the country is a necessary condition for our continued hold on the nation\'s lands.\" Also participating today were representatives of the Settlement Division of the Jewish Agency, the Agricultural Ministry, and National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
Shlomo Gravitz, Chairman of the Jewish National Fund, said at today\'s ceremony, \"The development of water resources throughout the country is a necessary condition for our continued hold on the nation\'s lands.\" Also participating today were representatives of the Settlement Division of the Jewish Agency, the Agricultural Ministry, and National Infrastructures Minister Avigdor Lieberman.