RE-ver: Return the water to Beit Shean

Israeli society is polarized along lines of origin, culture, and status, resulting in significant social and economic disparities that manifest spatially. This polarization raises important questions about the interplay between space, planning, and politics. In response, the concept of distributive justice has emerged, advocating for equal opportunities in society through the empowerment of disadvantaged populations and equitable resource distribution to bridge societal gaps. 

The issue of Nahal Hasi illustrates this demand for distributive justice. The members of kibbutz Nir David have transformed it into a prosperous resource. Still, access through the “yellow gate” remains restricted to those with kibbutz permission, effectively excluding many residents of Israel, including those from the city of Beit Shean. 

Tracing the history of water in the Beit Shean Valley has revealed a layer of forgotten history: water canals that once traversed the city but were sealed off in the 1980s. These canals hold memories for the city’s veterans and could be key to addressing the residents’ calls for distributive justice. Recognizing that water once flowed through the city opens the possibility of revitalizing Beit Shean by restoring its water flow, thereby fulfilling residents’ needs for their natural resources. 

This project proposes rebranding Beit Shean by redirecting the kibbutzim stream water, which currently flows southward, to create an urban stream that connects various parts of the city and ultimately flows into Nahal Harod. The idea is rooted in the belief that water has the power to reduce socio-economic disparities, and restoring the water flow to Beit Shean can catalyze a profound transformation for the city, both physically and mentally.