As the Village of Peace marks nearly six decades since its founding, we reflect on the significant milestones that have shaped our community. Each moment represents not just an event, but a profound step forward in our...
As the Village of Peace marks nearly six decades since its founding, we reflect on the significant milestones that have shaped our community. Each moment represents not just an event, but a profound step forward in our ongoing journey of building a better way of life. Our story began in 1966, when Ben Ammi Ben-Israel began organizing a movement in Chicago, proposing an audacious vision: a new society built on spiritual principles and communal living.
From Vision to Reality: The Early Years
In a time when our people were striving for basic civil rights in America, Ben Ammi Ben-Israel presented a vision far beyond mere equality. His proposal was for a completely new society, one rooted in spiritual principles, communal responsibility, and a return to our heritage. By 1967, the first group of pioneers had courageously departed for Liberia, West Africa, embarking on a journey of faith and self-discovery.
Those two years in Liberia proved to be a crucible, testing the community's commitment and forging their resolve for what lay ahead. When 138 members arrived in Israel in 1969 and settled in Dimona, they carried with them hard-won lessons about what it truly takes to build a community from the ground up. This arrival marked the official establishment of the Village of Peace in the Holy Land.
Establishing Foundations: The 1970s and 80s
The 1970s brought forth foundational achievements that solidified our community's way of life. In 1972, the renowned House of Life birthing centre opened, where over 1,150 babies would eventually be born using natural, holistic methods. This period also saw the formal codification of our community's plant-based live-itary guidelines, leading to the launch of the first Teva Deli food production operations, nurturing both body and spirit.
Through the 1980s, the community focused on establishing its own independent school system. This vital initiative ensured that our youth received an education that seamlessly integrated our rich cultural heritage with academic excellence. This was a pivotal turning point, signifying that the community was no longer merely surviving but actively building robust institutions for a thriving and self-sufficient future.
Global Reach and Recognition: The 1990s and Beyond
The 1990s marked the beginning of our community's significant international expansion. During this decade, community centres and businesses were thoughtfully established in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various nations across Africa. The Village of Peace began to transcend its single geographical location, evolving into a vibrant global network united by our shared values and principles.
A truly watershed moment arrived in 2003 when the community received permanent residency status in Israel, following decades of legal uncertainty. This profound recognition affirmed what our community had long demonstrated through our consistent contributions to Israeli society and our unwavering commitment to peace. It was a testament to our steadfast presence and positive impact.
Building for the Future: A New Era
Our innovative spirit continued to flourish into the 21st century. In 2013, Teva Deli forged a groundbreaking partnership with Domino's Israel, marking the brand's successful entry into mainstream commercial food production. This collaboration signaled to the world that the Village of Peace's approach to plant-based food was not only healthy but also held significant commercial viability and appeal.
Most recently, the exciting announcement of the New Village of Peace development represents our community's largest infrastructure investment to date. This ambitious project includes 304 green housing units spread across 18 acres, serving as a powerful declaration of our permanence and sustained growth. After nearly six decades, our community is not just maintaining what exists but proactively building for the next sixty years and beyond.
Each of these milestones, from the earliest days in Chicago to the groundbreaking for our new development, has built upon the last. They form a robust foundation, not just for the current generation, but for generations to come, embodying our commitment to Mastering the Art of Living and creating a righteous way of life for all. We invite you to reflect on this journey with us, and consider how the principles of community, health, and heritage continue to shape our collective destiny.
Written by
VOP Heritage Committee
Village of Peace Dimona