Kibbutz Ginosar is located on the western banks of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. North of Tiberias on Highway 90, it falls under the jurisdiction of Emek HaYarden Regional Council. In 2006 it had a population of 472.
Ginosar was founded on the eve of Purim in March 1937 by a group of young socialists on land leased by the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA) for the settlement of Migdal. These young socialists “squatted” on the land, arguing that the leased area needed close protection during the ethnic disturbances with the Arabs. Thus, the original kibbutz was built as a tower and stockade settlement. It became the home base for Yigal Allon, commander of the “Syrian Department” of the Palmach.
Ginosar developed originally as an agricultural community, now its primary source of income comes from tourism and agricultural. During a severe drought in 1986, the water level of the Sea of Galilee dropped to reveal the frame of an ancient fishing boat. That vessel has since been carbon dated from 100 BCE to 70 CE, thus being dubbed “the Jesus Boat.” Using innovative techniques, restorers rescued the boat frame, placed it in a specially designed, preservative chemical bath for fourteen years, and eventually had the Boat displayed in the Yigal Allon Museum.
