Ben-Gurion's hut

In 1952, on a tour of Southern Israel, Ben-Gurion passed by a small community with only a hut and a few tents – Sde Boker. He stopped to greet the founders of the community, who he believed were doing a great service to the newly founded State by reclaiming the desert. Later, he sent a letter to the community wishing them luck and confiding in them his "jealousy" of their humble lifestyle.^[1] In 1953, Ben-Gurion and his wife joined the kibbutz and moved into the house. His move can be attributed to Ben-Gurion's wish to settle the Negev desert and lead by personal example. Additionally, he wished to disconnect from the pressures of his job and move to a remote part of the desert.^[1] In 1955, Ben-Gurion was re-elected Prime Minister. Throughout his term which lasted until 1963, Ben-Gurion resided in his home in Sde Boker, and he continued living there until his death in 1973.^[2]

Following the terms of Ben-Gurion's will, the house and everything inside remain intact and open to the public.^[3] A museum documenting the life and writings of Ben-Gurion was built at the site of the hut and attracts many tourists each year.^[4] A special focus was put on Ben-Gurion's vision to build up and settle the Negev Desert.

• Ben-Gurion House in Tel Aviv
• Media related to David Ben Gurion's house in Sde Boker at Wikimedia Commons