Kibbutz Mefalsim, located in the north-west Negev desert, was established in 1949 by immigrants from Argentina and Uruguay. The name “Mefalsim” means “to clear a path” and thus the kibbutz in named after immigrants from Latin America who cleared the path for others to make aliyah.
Kibbutz Mefalsim was also one of the first kibbutzim to build an extension neighborhood and accept new members. Hence, the kibbutz also cleared the path for other kibbutzim to follow in their wake and build more kibbutz extension neighborhoods, marking one of the biggest changes of the kibbutz society. Kibbutz Mefalsim is situated less than 2 kms form the border with the Gaza Strip.
Adapted from the Kibbutz Visit site https://www.kibbutzvisit.com/listing/kibbutz-mefalsim/
