Ben-Gurion's hut

Ben-Gurion's hut (Hebrew: צריף בן גוריון, Tzrif Ben Gurion) was the retirement home of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and his wife Paula (Pola) from 1953 until Ben-Gurion's death in 1973. The "hut", located on kibbutz Sde Boker, was preserved exactly as it was left by Ben-Gurion and now serves as a museum with a visitor's center operated by the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute.

Ben-Gurion's hut
David Ben-Gurion's room in the hut

Ben-Gurion's move

In 1952, on a tour of Southern Israel, Ben-Gurion passed by a small community with only a hut and a few tents – Sde Boker. He stopped to greet the founders of the community, whom he believed were doing a great service to the newly-founded State by reclaiming the desert. Later, he sent a letter to the community wishing them luck and confiding in them his "jealousy" of their humble lifestyle.[1]

In 1953, Ben-Gurion and his wife joined the kibbutz and moved into the house. His move can be attributed to Ben-Gurion's wish to settle the Negev desert and lead by personal example. Additionally, he wished to disconnect from the pressures of his job and move to a remote part of the desert.[1]

Return to premiership

In 1955, Ben-Gurion was re-elected Prime Minister. Throughout his term which lasted until 1963, Ben-Gurion resided in his home in Sde Boker, and he continued living there until his death in 1973.[2]

Today

Per Ben-Gurion's request in his will, the house and everything inside remained intact and open to the public.[3] A museum documenting the life and writings of Ben-Gurion was built at the site of the hut and attracts many tourists each year.[4] A special focus was put on Ben-Gurion's vision to build up and settle the Negev Desert.

See also

Notes
  1. "Visit With Ben Gurion in the Desert; Israel's elder statesman sought sanctuary in the Negev, but in retirement he has found little time for the reading and meditation he planned". The New York Times. 12 January 1964. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  2. "Ben Gurion desert home". Petit Futé. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  3. "נוער חו"ל בשפות שונות". Archived from the original on 2013-03-23. Retrieved 2013-05-29., Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute
  4. "Over-Seas Unit". Archived from the original on 2013-08-11. Retrieved 2013-05-29., Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute Overseas Welcome

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