Tzion Maman, 64, is a second-generation farmer who was born and raised on Moshav Mivtahim, 6.5 miles from the Gaza border. Tzion’s father, a carpenter and teacher by trade, helped establish the farm in the 1950s, after Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion encouraged him to transform the barren sand into fertile land. With support and training from the Israeli government, Tzion’s father built the moshav into a thriving agricultural community, while instilling in his children the value of hard work and resilience.
Tzion’s son Tal, 39, took up the family tradition and became a third-generation farmer. Tal was innovative, diversifying the crops and expanding the farm to other moshavim nearby. After a few years, Tal encouraged his father to retire, taking full responsibility for the farm.
On the morning of October 7th, the moshav was quickly overrun with terrorists, who were trying to infiltrate the homes of the residents. Tal, a member of the local security team, encouraged his father to stay at home while he went out to fight. Tal and many others bravely engaged in a fierce battle with the terrorists, ultimately sacrificing their lives to protect their home.
In the aftermath of October 7th, Tzion was overcome with grief and loss and did not feel that he could continue farming the land, as it was a constant reminder of what he had lost. Tal’s close friends rallied behind Tzion, urging him not to give up. “There was a moment when I thought about giving up the farm. I couldn’t see the point anymore,” Tzion admits. “But Tal’s friends wouldn’t let me. They said that moving forward is what Tal would have wanted.”
Throughout this devastating time, Tzion’s long-time partnership with Leket Israel became even more significant. “Leket Israel does amazing work,” Tzion shares. “They gather surplus crops, bring us volunteers, and ensure nothing goes to waste. They are a blessing, turning potential waste into a valuable resource for people in need. The ongoing collaboration with Leket Israel provided me with much needed volunteer assistance and helped sustain the farm at its lowest time.”
Tzion’s story is one of enduring strength and the unbreakable bond between a father and son. The farm, which thrived under Tal’s visionary ideas, now serves as a testament to his legacy and the resilience of a family that has weathered unimaginable hardships. Tzion remains hopeful that his grandchildren will one day join the farming business, ensuring that the family’s agricultural heritage continues for generations to come. Despite the profound pain, Tzion’s commitment to the land and his determination to honor Tal’s memory drive him forward, embodying the true spirit of perseverance.