This Project is Revolutionizing Desert Agriculture in Israel

Have you ever looked at Israel’s landscape and thought to yourself that it is unsuitable for vegetation? You aren’t the only one. In fact, Mark Twain had some similar thoughts. Here’s what the famous author had to say about the Holy Land:

“We traversed some miles of desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds – a silent mournful expanse… A desolation is here that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action… The further we went the hotter the sun got, and the more rocky and bare the landscape became.… There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil, had almost deserted the country…. Palestine [Israel] sits in sackcloth and ashes. Over it broods the spell of a curse that has withered its fields and fettered its energies….”

Some people may just take this at face value and accept defeat, but others see Israel’s desolation and resolve within themselves to help restore Israel to its former forested state. If participating in this essential endeavor is something that fascinates you, you may be interested in learning about how The Israel Guys are helping revolutionizing desert agriculture in Israel.

The Greening Israel Project’s Backstory

The Israel Guys launched the Greening Israel Project in 2020 with a single, bold mission: to reforest the barren mountains of Israel. While this goal may sound ambitious at first, a closer look at the land’s history reveals that it is not only reasonable—but a natural next step.

Historically, the region encompassing modern-day Israel was part of what was known as the Fertile Crescent—a name earned not by coincidence, but by the land’s remarkable productivity and lush vegetation. Thousands of years ago, this area was renowned for its fertility, supporting abundant agriculture and thriving ecosystems. That history naturally raises an important question:

If the land was once so fertile, why does it look so desolate today?

The answer can be traced back nearly two thousand years, to the Roman siege of Israel. At the time of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Romans also devastated the land itself, systematically felling vast forests. Centuries later, during Ottoman rule, the remaining trees were cut down, delivering what could only be described as the final blow to the region’s ecosystem.

By the time Mark Twain visited the land, he famously observed that even the “fast friends of a worthless soil had almost deserted the country.” To many, the story appeared finished—a land stripped bare and beyond recovery. But for Bible believers, this is not the end of Israel’s story. It is merely a chapter, and restoration has always been part of the promise.

How the Greening Israel Project is Revolutionizing Desert Agriculture in Israel

In Ezekiel 36 it says that the land that was once desolate will become like the garden of Eden. Some people read this passage and look forward to it, but other people read this passage and regard it as a commission. This layout of actions that they are supposed to take in order to hasten and usher in that reality is exactly the mindset that led to the creation of the Greening Israel Project. This project’s focus has been exactly what Ezekiel 36 mentioned – bringing back the garden of Eden. In our case, this is one tree at a time.

Founded in 2020, the Greening Israel Project plants the indigenous trees of Israel in the biblical heartland of Israel, Judea and Samaria. However, reversing the desertification of any land is not a simple process that produces quick results. Due to the thousands of years of erosion, tens of feet of topsoil are no longer present to encourage the growth of vegetation. Without this topsoil, the soil lacks essential nutrients for the trees and makes it difficult for water to stay near the planting site instead of flowing down the mountainside.

But here’s the miracle: when a tree is planted in an ecosystem like this, restoration begins. Whether one tree, five trees, or a hundred, they create an environment that supports new plant life and reduces erosion—effectively reversing the damage caused by deforestation.

Revolutionizing Desert Agriculture in Israel is a Selfless Impact

However, the impact of this work is not immediate. Reforestation is a long-term process—one whose full results may not be witnessed within the lifetime of many of the project’s pioneers. In this sense, restoring Israel’s ruined forests is a profoundly selfless act. While today’s planters will watch saplings take root and trees begin to grow, it will likely be their children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren who experience the land fully restored.

To some, this reality may feel discouraging, but that perspective depends entirely on how the story is viewed. One can focus on the fact that forests are not reborn overnight—or one can find hope in knowing that future generations will benefit from today’s obedience and perseverance. In truth, choosing not to plant these trees would leave descendants gazing upon the same barren hills we see today—land still waiting for restoration.

After learning how the Greening Israel Project is transforming Israel’s desert landscapes and reviving its biblical heartland, one final question remains:

How can I play a part in ensuring that future generations will see Israel’s mountains reforested and thriving once again?

How Can You Help Reverse the Desertification of Israel?

Now that you’ve learned about the process of reversing the deforestation that occurred thousands of years ago and have had a glimpse into what the future holds for the land, you likely want to be involved.

Maybe you can’t make it to Israel to plant a tree, but you can still make a generational impact from your own home. You can click here to make a donation that supports our efforts

Alternatively, you can come to Israel and spend a few weeks helping work on farms and plants vines and trees on barren mountains of Israel!

No matter which option you choose, one day, your descendents will be able to look through the forests and exclaim that their family participated in the incredible restoration of Israel!