A New Chapter in the Biblical Heartland: The Israel Guys Inaugurate a Visitor Center in Samaria
Nestled in the hills of Samaria, the West Bank town of Har Bracha has become the focal point of a unique Christian Zionist initiative. Last month, a major visitors center was inaugurated here by The Israel Guys, an organization that has spent nearly two decades bringing more than 5,000 volunteers from 35 countries to help cultivate the Land of Israel. The center is designed to serve as a counter-narrative to what the group’s CEO, Joshua Waller, describes as a media portrayal of the region steeped in perpetual conflict. Instead, they hope to showcase a thriving, living landscape that is steeped in biblical history. Waller, who originally established the organization under the name HaYovel, explained that the mission is deeply personal. “We live here, we see the people who live here, and then we tell everyone what is actually happening,” he said, emphasizing that their role is to expand that narrative by bringing thousands of international visitors to witness the reality for themselves.
The establishment of this visitor center is, in many ways, a direct response to the intense scrutiny and often negative press that Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria receive. Waller expressed frustration with the term “settler violence,” a phrase he believes unfairly brands the Jewish residents of the area. “You may love the Jewish people but be unsure how to deal with the propaganda, specifically the term ‘settler violence,’” he stated. The organization’s goal is to provide a human face to the community, allowing visitors to interact with locals and see beyond the headlines. “Come to the visitor center, and you will see the exact opposite,” he added, arguing that the narrative is a “fake narrative built by the international community” and constitutes a “straight-up war against the Jewish [people].” The center is intended to be a place of encounter, where preconceived notions are challenged by the simple, daily reality of life in the region.
The roots of this extensive operation trace back to 2004, when Joshua’s father, Tommy Waller, made his first trip to Israel. It was there that he met Nir Lavi, the founder of the Har Bracha Winery, who shared a vision rooted in the prophetic words of Jeremiah: “You shall again plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and eat them as ordinary food.” Inspired by this agricultural and spiritual vision, Waller Sr. asked how he could contribute. By 2007, he had moved his family—his wife, Sherri, and their eleven children—from Tennessee to Har Bracha. This move marked the birth of HaYovel, a nonprofit that connects Christian volunteers with Israeli farmers, offering them a hands-on opportunity to work the land and participate in this modern-day fulfillment of prophecy. From these humble beginnings, the organization has grown into a significant force for advocacy and practical support.
Over the years, The Israel Guys have expanded their efforts beyond the initial volunteer placements. Recognizing the power of media, they launched “The Joshua & Caleb Report” in 2013 to directly counter anti-Israel rhetoric, a project that later evolved into a popular weekly podcast. Five years ago, the organization rebranded as The Israel Guys, sharpening its focus on advocacy and international outreach. Today, they boast a team of more than 20 members and have helped develop approximately 120 farms across the region. Their volunteer programs are diverse and tailored to different interests and seasons. The “Heartland Experience” is a 10-day immersive trip combining touring with volunteer work, while the “Grape Harvest” and “Men’s Pruning” trips offer two-week stints centered on the agricultural calendar. For younger adults aged 18 to 30, “Zion Ops” provides a four-week program, and even short, two-hour “Day Visits” to Har Bracha are available for those with limited time.
The practical impact of these volunteers is immense, but the emotional and personal connections forged are equally significant. Volunteers work side-by-side with local farmers, planting trees, erecting fences, harvesting crops, and assisting with infrastructure projects. This hands-on involvement creates a deep bond between the international participants and the land. Waller emphasized that their volunteers come from a wide variety of Christian backgrounds, including Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Mormons, Amish, and Mennonites. This diversity underscores a unified sense of purpose rooted in biblical values. The initiative’s dedication was put to the test in the aftermath of the horrific October 7, 2023, massacre. In response, The Israel Guys launched “Operation Ittai,” raising $3.85 million to provide tactical supplies and bolster defenses for communities in the area. They also famously brought American cowboys to Israel to help farmers whose regular workers had been called up as reservists, a heartwarming story that captured global attention.
Addressing the complex issue of Christian safety in the Middle East, Waller firmly rejected the notion that Christians are no longer welcome in Israel. He pointed to the harsh realities faced by Christian communities in other countries in the region, including those under Palestinian Authority control. “The fact is that Israel is the safest place for Christians in the entire Middle East. It is the only place where the Christian population is growing,” he asserts. In the face of rising global antisemitism, Waller believes that aligning with the State of Israel is paramount. “The Bible says that this land that was desolate will become like the Garden of Eden,” he reflected. “We are literally seeing it happen. It’s beautiful to see volunteers participate in the fulfillment of that prophecy and witness the ancient words of the Bible come back to life.” For The Israel Guys, the new visitor center is not just a building; it is a statement of faith, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the power of individuals to make a tangible difference in the world.
