Yad HaShmona

Infobox_Kibbutz
kibbutz_name = Yad HaShmona
foundation = 1971
founded_by = Finnish Christians
region = Jerusalem corridor
council = Mateh Yehuda
industry =
affiliation = Agricultural Union
website =

Yad HaShmona ( _he. יד השמונה‎, lit. "Monument to the Eight") is a small moshav shitufi of Finnish Christians in central Israel. Located in the Judean Mountains on the outskirts of Jerusalem, it falls under the jurisdiction of Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. In 2006 it had a population of 93.

History

Yad HaShmona was founded in 1971 as a gesture of solidarity with the State of Israel. It is named for eight Jewish refugees from Austria who escaped to Finland in 1938. The Finnish government, collaborating with the Nazis, handed the refugees over to the Gestapo in 1942. Seven of them died in Auschwitz. [ [http://www.yad8.com/about_general.php The Name] Yad HaShmona]

Economy

The community runs a guesthouse, convention center and banquet hall. In 2000, a biblical village was inaugurated with the assistance of the Swiss Beth Shalom society and the Israel Antiquities Authority. [ [http://www.yad8.com/bv_Info.php The Biblical Village] Yad HaShmona] A biblical garden planted on the hillside provides a glimpse of agriculture in ancient times. [ [http://www.bibleplaces.com/yadhashmonah.htm Yad HaShmonah] Bibleplaces.com page]

References

External links

* [http://www.yad8.com Official website]