Proposal for Renovation of the Gush Etzion Visitors Center
The Etzion Bloc Survivor's Organization was created by the children and survivors who fought and fell in the Etzion Bloc in 1948. Its goal is to preserve the history and
memory of the heroic defenders, battles and the settlements of the Etzion Bloc
while educating and reminding future generations of the commitment and love for the people and the land of Israel.
Today on the premises located In Kibbutz Kfar Etzion there is a moving 30 minute audio visual presentation, on the history of the Jewish people in this area dating back to biblical times. There is an historical Archive with material that has been collected over the years, a museum with a pictorial exhibit describing the history and an observation view.
Together with the Regional Council and in conjunction with the 60 year celebrations to the State of Israel and the fall of Gush we have decided that it is time to conduct a facelift for the Visitors Center and to restore the site to its rightful place of honor at the forefront of Israel's history.
There is a 31 page detailed conceptual proposal for review of the renovation of the visitor's center called, "Struggling with the Land and for the Land, The story of Gush Etzion".
Two of Israel's leading production companies have been accepted after going through the appropriate process to receive this project. They have joined forces to create the most significant, Zionistic and educational production of this generation.
The main idea behind this proposal is to transform the site into an attractive experience for visitors that will tell the story of the Gush Etzion settlements from 1943-1948, showing the spirit of this particular era, its stories, and the special features that make it unique; based on the idea of rethinking museum concepts today, not just as a place to store old artifacts, but as modern and sophisticated institutions using the most cutting edge tools and educational innovations available.
Budget Proposal
The renovations for the visitor's center will be divided into three areas of development.
1. Museum
The old building exists in bad, rundown condition, and needs to be renovated and expanded. This would include the stripping of the entire interior, replacing of floor, electricity, plumbing, rest rooms, exhibition furnishings, the necessary audio visual equipment, re-covering of walls as a result of leaking, lighting and fixtures, and production of all the educational materials
2. Audio Visual Presentation
Building of auditorium would include the audio visual equipment, screen, production of a 15 minute presentation, lighting, electricity, furnishings and all the educational contents needed.
3. Garden of the Future, Educational "Interactive" Center
This would include the entrance hall, lighting, audio visual aids and production of educational materials, garden entrance and exhibits
1. Museum $650,000
2. Audio Visual $500,000
3. Garden of the Future $500,000
4. Project Coordinator, and $300,000
Supervision of building
5. Gardening and grounds $ 50,000
TOTAL $2,000,000
The above figures do not include the following: maintenance of any of the projects or the audio visual equipment, the electrical system which would include the heating, and cooling, and the safety facilities of the buildings.
The budget includes the plans of the infrastructure, building, architect, and supervision of work and a one year guarantee from the day the building is completed and ownership received.
Prices may change according to dollar rate and costs of raw materials.
The center can be given donor recognition. All donations may be made to the Gush Etzion Foundation USA a registered non profit 501c in the USA, and in Israel 46A
Full 31 page proposal available upon request.
