The Baptist Village in Israel is located near Petah Tikva, close to Tel Aviv. While the comprehensive history of this village isn't fully detailed in the available sources, it appears to have been established around 1955 and was originally an orphanage. Over the years, it transformed from an open space used for farming into a place with facilities including a baseball field and a softball field. This transformation occurred after the 2nd intifada in 2002 when safety fences were erected around the village. Interestingly, the Baptist Village is now a significant spot for baseball in Israel, hosting games for the Israel Association of Baseball and serving as a practice ground for national teams.
Despite its current association with baseball, the village remains a place of quiet and reflection, in line with its original intent as a retreat. It’s noteworthy for its unique blend of a quiet retreat space and a sports facility, embodying a mix of cultural and recreational aspects.
The history of the Baptist Village began in 1950 with the preparation of the land for the establishment of the village. The initial plan was for it to be an agricultural settlement for about 50 people, including a school for religious studies. The Baptist Village was officially founded in 1955 by the "Baptist Convention in Israel," a group of Jesus believers, Zionists, and lovers of Israel from the United States, belonging to the Baptist stream. They transformed an orphanage from Nazareth to a 40-dunam area intended for the establishment of the village.
In 1962, the village was described as having modest one-story houses, one of which was two-storied. Nearby, there was a large swimming pool, surrounded by cabins, farm buildings, and fields stretching to the banks of the nearby Yarkon River. In its early years, the place served as an orphanage. Later, a school was established in the village. In 1962, the school had about 30 students in four classes and a preparatory class. In addition to regular studies, guided by seven teachers (some from the United States and some Jewish from Tel Aviv), the students worked in the village's agricultural farm, which included 200 dunams with vegetables, an orchard (50 dunams), and a cattle shed with several dozen heads of cattle. The students learned Hebrew, Arabic, and English, and received musical education. Most of the students were Arabs, but there were also Jewish students or children of Jewish fathers. The Ministry of Education did not recognize the school. By 1970, three families lived in the village. The school closed in 1972, and that same year, a camp was organized in the village, leading to publications by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel warning against missionary activities.
The village also served as a gathering place where Israeli Baptists congregated weekly for Sabbath prayers, and it included accommodations for pilgrims.
Since 1964, the village has been included in the jurisdiction of the city of Petah Tikva, despite being an enclave within the area of the Southern Sharon Regional Council.
Hiking along the Yarkon River in central Israel, from Petah Tikva to the old railway station in Rosh HaAyin, offers a picturesque and historically rich experience. This trail winds through scenic fields and orange groves, unveiling unique moments of both history and nature. Key attractions along the route include old mills, the concrete house, Kfar Baptistim, and two national parks: the Yarkon River Sources and Tel Afek Antipatris. Along the trail, there are two rest areas for hikers to relax and enjoy the region's inspiring natural beauty and captivating stories.