ABOUT YOAV Established in 1952 and located south of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, east of Ashqelon and north of Beersheva, it is named after the late Yitzhak Dubno (nicknamed Yoav), the first commander of Kibbutz Negba in the independence war of 1948. Yoav is centrally located. The regional council is comprised of 14 communities (8 kibbutzim, 3 moshavim, a youth village, an Arab Village and a new country center) with a combined population of approximately 5,200 people. The region covers approximately 57,500 acres. Each kibbutz and moshav has its own unique history and identity. The residents of Yoav come from all over the world (In one kibbutz alone, they have counted 29 different nationalities!), resulting in a very dynamic and vibrant community that blends and harmonizes the multi ethnic backgrounds. The Region has an extensive recreational appeal, with hot springs, caves, and archaeological sites. In addition to recreation and tourism, their industry base includes agriculture and manufacturing. They are part of the Kiryat Gat industrial zone, where there is an Air Products plant that supports the needs of the Intel Factory. Militarily, the region has a border patrol army base that protects their vulnerable perimeter along the West Bank. ECONOMY Agriculture: 25% Industry: 24% Tourism: 8% Services and Education: 43% The main occupation in Yoav is agriculture: field crops, orchards, dairy, chickens, hot‐houses for growing flowers and winter vegetables. The region supports these agricultural efforts with various industries that are involved in research, processing, packing and distribution. AGRICULTURE AND RELATED INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES: Agrinir is involved in the entire olive oil production process ‐‐ from growing and pressing the olives, to bottling and marketing. They produce high quality Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Ganir is a manufacturer and exporter of citrus and other fruit products, for production of juices, nectars and soft drinks. Hazera Genetics breeds, produces, and markets hybrid vegetable and field crop seeds. Lachish Extension Service deals with studies of crop yields, irrigation techniques, purification of waste water, desalination, floriculture and more. TOURISM The natural waters of Hamei Yoav (Hot Springs of Yoav) is a natural thermomineral spa. Bet Govrin is a large national park, which encompasses the sites of an ancient agricultural settlement of Maresha, ancient town of Bet Govrin, and many caves. Maresha, which was populated since old biblical times, stood on the top of Tel Maresha hill. In 4th century B.C., many Sidonians and Greeks came to Maresha, and the first caves were hewn. The primary purpose of the caves was to provide soft limestone, which was used for construction. But later the bell‐ shaped hollow space eof th caves was used for water reservoirs, store rooms, olive presses, burials and pigeon breeding. One of the largest Iron Age sites in Israel is located in Kibbutz Revadim. More than 100 ancient oil presses were found there, as well as an inscription that clearly identifies the site as Philistine Ekron. Points of interest at Kibbutz Revadim are the reconstructed Philistine street and the Ekron Museum of the History of Philistine Culture. Yemenite culture is maintained at the Pearl of Yemen in Moshav Nachala where you can enjoy a display of Yemenite artifacts, take part in a “Yemenite wedding” and enjoy an ethnic meal. .