'There are only about 20,000 purebreds in the world'
(Image by Elsemargriet from Pixabay)
(ISRAEL365 NEWS) — The flock of Jacob’s Sheep has arrived at the next stop in their journey home: Beit El, the house of God, the scene of Jacob’s prophetic dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth. And for the first time, a pair of rams can now be viewed by the public.
In 2017, a flock of a rare breed of Jacob’s Sheep arrived in Israel from western Canada. But after arriving in the Holy Land, the flock was unable to find a permanent home. Last year, the flock was taken under new management with the intention of maintaining the rare breed.
Despite the extraordinary efforts of the previous owners, Jenna and Gil Lewinsky, the flock dwindled from 119 to about 50 head.
Naama Rue, who is managing the herd, explained that the herd is in need of rejuvenation.
“The situation was dire one year ago, but it is getting better,” she told Israel365 News. “They are being raised in an undisclosed location. We are working to make sure they are being cared for properly and getting the necessary medical attention. When the Ministry of Agriculture gave permission to bring them to Israel, it was for the purpose of maintaining this rare heritage breed for the diversity of livestock.”
“There are only about 20,000 purebred Jacob’s Sheep in the world,” she said.