The city often called the “capital of the Negev” is also one of the largest cities in Israel. In terms of population, Beersheba is the seventh city in Israel.
It is located in the vast Be’er Sheva valley, through which the Be’er Sheva, Kowshim, and Katef streams flow. The valley is a green oasis located in the middle of the Negev Desert.
Beersheva is a city mentioned several times in the Bible. The city already existed during Abraham’s lifetime. According to the Bible, it was here that Abraham dug a well (which still exists today), planted tamarisk trees over it, and later made a covenant with King Abimelech. That’s why the place was called Beer Sheva, i.e. “The Well of the Oarh.” At that time, the valley had plenty of water, as evidenced by the remains of numerous wells.
