How 138 Chicagoans Built a Village in the Desert

In the late 1960s, a profound spiritual awakening led a group of 138 African Americans from Chicago to embark on a journey of faith and self-determination. Under the visionary leadership of Ben Ammi Ben-Israel, they sought to establish a new way of life, rooted in ancient principles and communal responsibility. This extraordinary odyssey took them across continents, from the bustling streets of Chicago to the fertile lands of Liberia, and eventually to the stark beauty of the Negev Desert in Israel, where they began to build what we now cherish as the Village of Peace.

## A Vision Takes Root in the Desert The early years in the desert were indeed formidable, testing the resolve of our pioneers. The climate was unforgiving, resources were scarce, and the fledgling community faced skepticism from many directions. Yet, the founders brought with them something far more powerful than any material resource: an unshakeable vision for a holistic, communal existence. This vision, grounded in spiritual principles, became the bedrock upon which our entire community was built.

## The Foundation of Plant-Based Living From the very first day, our community embraced a plant-based live-it. This was not a passing trend or a health fad, but a deeply spiritual and practical foundation for our way of life. Decades before "plant-based" became a global movement, these pioneers were cultivating their own food, developing innovative recipes, and demonstrating that a community could thrive abundantly without animal products. This commitment remains a cornerstone of our collective health and sustainability today.

## Holistic Growth and Enduring Principles Our community's approach to development was holistic from its inception, recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. Our elders meticulously built schools to nurture our youth, established workshops for skill development, and created cultural institutions to preserve our rich heritage. They also developed ingenious agricultural systems, adapting to the unique challenges of the Negev environment. All of these initiatives were designed around principles of communal ownership and shared responsibility, embodying the spirit of Mastering the Art of Living.

## Our Legacy Continues to Flourish Today, the Village of Peace is a thriving testament to that enduring vision, home to more than 3,000 members. Our community proudly operates its own schools, advanced factories, organic farms, and vibrant cultural centers. Teva Deli, our renowned food manufacturing arm, produces over 200 diverse plant-based products and provides meaningful employment for more than 50 of our community members. Furthermore, our organic farms hold esteemed certification from the Israel Bio-Organic Agricultural Association, reflecting our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.

What truly captivates most visitors is not any single achievement, but the profound completeness of our community's vision. It is a testament to the integrated nature of our principles, where every facet of life is thoughtfully considered. From the nourishing food on our tables to the distinctive garments we wear, and from the joyful songs our youth sing to the innovative businesses that sustain our economy, every element connects back to a coherent, living philosophy, demonstrating the harmony of our way of life.

After nearly six decades, the pioneering spirit and vision of those original 138 individuals remain vibrantly alive within us. New generations are born into this way of life, raised on the same foundational principles of plant-based living, communal cooperation, cultural pride, and spiritual devotion that inspired that transformative journey from Chicago to the desert. The Village of Peace stands as living proof that radical ideas, pursued with unwavering dedication and profound community, can indeed create something enduring, inspiring, and truly beautiful for generations to come. We invite you to explore our heritage and witness this legacy firsthand.