The first settlers who came to the Central Arava in 1959, armed with little more than hopes and dreams and a letter from David Ben Gurion to the IDF's southern command, surely could not have imagined how fully their desire to make the desert bloom would be fulfilled. In addition to turning one of the most barren and isolated parts of Israel into a region boasting seven flourishing settlements, which produce more than half of the country's vegetable exports using cutting-edge agricultural methods, the pride of the region is the second generation - the sons and daughters of the first settlers who returned to the region to bring up their young families in the Arava.

Many events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the Arava's half century; a reunion of students at the regional high school has already been held, and the theme of the annual Open Day at the region's Research and Development Station was based on fifty years of settlement, and attended by the President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres.

The main event of the year will be held on May 27th, which will feature a performance by local talent, directed by some of the best directors and producers in the country. The performance will serve as a platform to highlight some of the great things that have been done in the Arava during the last fifty years, including technological advances in the region's sophisticated agriculture, the quickly developing tourism industry and the vibrant and involved community that has become an oasis in the desert, with the help and support of our partners in the Australian community.