New Negev community, Mitzpe Yonatan, honors the fallen Nahal Brigade commander, Yonatan Steinberg z”l, as part of a pioneering collaboration to strengthen the region.

A special tree-planting ceremony was held today in Arad, attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, senior government ministers, representatives from the Arad Municipality, and members of HaShomer HaChadash. The event celebrated the establishment of Mitzpe Yonatan, a new rural neighborhood located approximately two kilometers northwest of Arad, dedicated to the memory of Colonel Yonatan Steinberg z”l, the Nahal Brigade commander who fell during the brutal Hamas attack on October 7.

Mitzpe Yonatan was made possible through a collaboration between HaShomer HaChadash and the Arad Municipality. This initiative, completed in just a few months, demonstrates a strong commitment to strengthening communities in the Negev. In 2024, prior to Rosh Hashana – the Jewish New Year – HaShomer HaChadash met with Colonel Steinberg to discuss the establishment of a pasture farm in the Nahal Brigade’s base firing zones. However, shortly after this meeting, the war broke out, and Steinberg tragically fell in battle, leading to the plan’s halt. Later, when members of Garin Negev sought to relocate to the Arad area, it was proposed that they settle on a hill designated for public buildings at the city’s edge. Within six months, the Arad Municipality had prepared the infrastructure, and HaShomer HaChadash placed housing structures, establishing the community overlooking the desert and the Nahal Brigade’s training base.

President of Israel Isaac Herzog expressed: “This beautiful place exemplifies Zionism at its finest. Alongside the pain and mourning that have tested and continue to test us in the most difficult ways, we stand strong—filled with faith and hope. The proof of that resilience is right here before us. Today, we honor the memory of one of the greatest and most respected commanders we have known: Colonel Yonatan ‘Yoni’ Steinberg, the commander of the Nahal Brigade. I want to express a heartfelt wish, a prayer, and a cry for our kidnapped brothers and sisters. These are harrowing, sensitive, and deeply painful moments, in which I repeatedly call for every possible effort and every available means to be used to bring the hostages home. It is imperative to advance the necessary steps and measures required to implement the various stages of the deal. As someone who is in daily contact with many of the hostages’ families, I cry out with all my heart: bring them all home – every last one of them.”

Minister of Defense Israel Katz stated during the ceremony: “The work done here is the most pioneering effort for the State of Israel. There is no better or more fitting way to commemorate Yonatan Steinberg z”l and his journey than by establishing a neighborhood in his name. We, as a government, as an army, and as a people, must ensure that the bravery of our soldiers brings forth victory everywhere. Our top priority is first and foremost the release of the hostages. We have made it abundantly clear that if they aren’t released, we will react strongly in Gaza and where needed. This groundbreaking initiative is a symbol of innovation.

It is only because of bravery, unity, and perseverance that we can make the right choices. This is the bravery that Yonatan Steinberg z”l symbolizes and, thanks to him and his fellow fighters, we have the ability to succeed.”

Ifat Ovadia-Luski, Chairwoman of KKL-JNF: “Today, we are planting trees, but we are also planting roots—of community, Zionism, remembrance, and continuity. Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael is committed to developing the Negev, strengthening communities, and ensuring that this region remains an integral part of Israel’s national resilience. This initiative is the embodiment of Zionism, and we will continue to support the communities here.”

Yoel Zilberman, CEO and Founder of HaShomer HaChadash, said: “In the next several years, the State of Israel needs to establish more communities in the Negev. In the 60s, Igal Alon already said that the only thing that will promise the safety of the residents is the formation of these communities. Populating the eastern Negev area, along with correctly integrating it with the area’s residents, has great importance – it is the best path for Israel. Bringing young people into this area is its own story. This is the most precious resource Israel has, as well as the Garin that is relocating here. Thanks to them, this place will be developed and strengthen the security of the residents of Arad. It is a privilege to be part of this initiative.”

The ceremony was attended by the Steinberg family, Nahal Brigade Commander Colonel Yair Zuckerman, and many senior officials, including: President Isaac Herzog, Minister of Defense Israel Katz, Minister of Construction and Housing Yitzhak Goldknopf, Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi, Minister of Agriculture Avi Dichter, Minister of Education Yoav Kisch, Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman, Mayor of Arad Yair Maayan, and Yoel Zilberman, CEO and Founder of HaShomer HaChadash.