Why did you move to the Negev and not to a big city?

I am originally from Ra’anana, a suburb near Tel Aviv. In 9th grade, I joined a non-political youth group that did hiking, camping, etc. This was my first experience in the desert, and I knew I would come back here.

I got my bachelor’s in Jewish history and Asian studies in Jerusalem, where I stayed for a decade working as a teacher and a tour guide. During this time, I met my husband and had my first child. When our baby turned 1, my husband and I knew there was no life for us in Jerusalem. The city was too hectic, too expensive, and we wanted a home where we could have a garden and a community. We looked to the desert for our new life.

What community do you live in?

We decided on Kadesh Barnea— one of the pioneer communities of around 70 families, where there is a lot of diversity.

How does the Negev contribute to your identity?

While I was working as a teacher, my husband studied civil engineering, and now he’s self-employed and does infrastructure projects both inside and out of the municipality. People think you can’t find a job in the Negev. They think “what kind of job could I possibly have out there?”  but I don’t agree— The Negev is actually where you can stop and recreate yourself.

I began my career as a tour guide while teaching, during vacations, and my specialties are Jerusalem and the Negev. I have created a theatrical tour of the ancient Shivta region, which was blooming in its Golden era 1500 years ago, but which has been forgotten. In my tours, I dress up and become a character to tell the story of Shivta, characters help to reveal the secrets of life and its disappearance. The story brings together the past and the present, and I am looking at my neighbors, my past neighbors.

What is the best part of living in the Negev?

In our community, neighbors become your family. Living in a small community is very beneficial, since everyone knows each other and we consider ourselves one big family.

How do you envision the Negev’s future?

Our population needs to grow so that the Negev can succeed in the years to come. Some people want to maintain the Negev like it was in the past, but I think we need fresh blood. People coming from big cities, who choose to live here, are the ones who really have the power to do good because they are really driven to be part of a community. And the future of the Negev is all based on children, so communities need more young families.

Is there anything else people should know?

We owe the Jews in the diaspora so much! We are capable of having playgrounds and infrastructure thanks to donations from you. The personal relationship between communities in the diaspora and us should be strong!

People should come here from all over to get a strong sense of pioneering and Zionism still operating in the year 2020. It is one of the most unique places— super interesting communities, fantastic history, and beautiful desert. It’s a wonderful experience— an “off the trail” Israel experience.

Check out Iris Barazani Tours at https://irisbarazanitours.co.il/ or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tourthedesert/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/secrets_of_a_hidden_city/)