Mitspe Rachel Farm
Mitzpe Rachel Farm, situated in the Gilo area of south-western East Jerusalem, was founded in 2020 by Ronen Bechory, a 41-year-old ba'al teshuvah Jew, who has six children and is a single father. The farm was established with the aim of serving as a sanctuary for abandoned animals, a center for pet therapy, and a horse riding facility. From its location, the farm provides an overlooking view of Rachel's Tomb and the Palestinian towns of Bethlehem and Beit Jala.
Bechory's life took a turn after spending six months in an Israeli prison, which resulted from a complex divorce process. Subsequently, he decided to devote his life to the well-being of animals in need. Along with two of his children, Bechory invests his time and finances to provide care for the animals, develop the farm's infrastructure, and create an inviting environment for visitors.
During the years 2021-2022, I documented their life on the farm. Although the farm may appear to be on the fringes of Israeli society, for Bechory and his children, it is the center of their universe. The farm serves as their home, their workplace, and their playground, all rolled into one.