Jerusalem Winery Burned to Ashes – A Story of Loss and Unshakable Faith

In August of 2021, there were wildfires in the Jerusalem Hills which destroyed the "Metzuda Winery" in Givat Ye’arim, owned by businessman Eliyahu Bash. When he realized the full extent of his loss which was an estimated 7–8 million shekels, his response was: “A person must bless God for the bad just as he blesses Him for the good.” He accepted the judgment with faith.

In an interview after the disaster, he described the moments of the tragedy: “In the middle of the day, the skies looked strange. Suddenly, the electricity at the winery cut out, and flames began to approach. Outside, the air was filled with the sharp smell of smoke. My staff and I rushed into our cars and fled immediately. Fifteen minutes later, we looked back from a distance and saw the entire winery engulfed in flames, while hearing the explosions of wine bottles bursting from the heat.”

“I had no insurance for the winery,” he admitted, acknowledging the massive loss of millions. “But my faith only grew stronger. I believe that out of the bitterness, something sweet will come. Everything is from Hashem.”

With raw honesty, he added: “I really don’t know how we will recover, but in these moments, my faith is stronger than ever. Locals told me that the winery actually stopped the fire from spreading further and saved many homes in the village. That thought strengthens me too.”

He reflected further: “It happened in the middle of Elul. As I watched the flames devour everything, I remembered the High Holiday prayers: ‘Who by fire; who will rest and who will wander.’ If Hashem decreed the winery should burn, then no plane or fire truck could stop it. We saw with our own eyes that this was His will. Knowing that everything happens only because Hashem wills it, gives me comfort.”

Wine industry figure Ari Gotthelf shared another perspective: “When I posted about the fire, I was overwhelmed with messages from people all over Israel expressing pain for the loss of the winery. WhatsApp groups of secular wine enthusiasts were mourning for a winery identified with the Haredi community, and hundreds of group chats were filled with ideas of how to help — from donations to organizing mass purchases of remaining bottles. Everyone wanted to stand with them and feel part of this tragedy.”

He added thoughtfully: “At first, I didn’t understand why so many people would rally around what is, after all, a business, especially since no lives were lost. Then I realized that wine has a special power to unite and connect people. This week we learned that it’s not only in times of celebration, but also in times of sorrow.”

The Metzuda Winery, founded in 2011, produced around 40,000 bottles a year and was considered one of the finest boutique wineries in the world. Its wines were distributed across Israel and abroad.