The Village of Peace may be rooted in the Negev Desert, but its influence extends across four continents. Community members have established businesses in the United States, United Kingdom, Belize, and Kenya, each one carrying forward the principles of plant-based living, community economics, and cultural pride that define VOP life.
In the United States, the community's presence is strongest. Soul Vegetarian restaurants have become beloved institutions in cities like Atlanta, serving plant-based soul food that honours both African American culinary traditions and VOP's vegan principles. The Plant Based Afrikan Center for Nutrition in Chicago educates communities about the health benefits of plant-based eating, while Rid-All Green Partnership in Cleveland transforms vacant urban lots into productive organic farms.
In Belize, Gahn Eden operates as an eco-retreat in the lush Cayo District, offering visitors an immersive plant-based living experience surrounded by tropical rainforest. The retreat demonstrates that the VOP lifestyle can thrive in any environment, not just the Negev.
In Kenya, ABI Organic Agriculture Ltd. brings the community's organic farming expertise to East Africa, working with local farmers to transition from conventional to sustainable growing methods. The operation represents VOP's commitment to sharing knowledge, not just building businesses.
In the United Kingdom, Soul Vegetarian has built a following through pop-up restaurants and wholesale distribution, bringing VOP flavours to Britain's growing vegan market.
What connects all these diverse enterprises is a shared philosophy: community-owned enterprise can be both economically sustainable and socially transformative. None of these businesses exist to enrich individuals. They exist to serve communities, create employment, and advance a way of life.
Every product sold, every meal served, and every seed planted carries forward a vision that began with 138 people in Chicago nearly six decades ago.
As the global economy increasingly values sustainability, community impact, and plant-based innovation, VOP businesses are well positioned to grow. Not just as commercial enterprises, but as ambassadors for a way of life that has proven its value over nearly six decades.
Written by
VOP Media Team
Village of Peace Dimona — Mastering the Art of Living
