Top secret Dimona plant
צילום: איי אף פי
Rock ‘n roll at the nuclear plant
For the first time ever, family members were allowed inside gates of Dimona nuclear plant to attend annual party and catch a glimpse of top secret site
They have lived with their spouses for decades but have never seen their place of work. Las week, for the first time eve, families of employees of the Dimona nuclear plant were permitted to enter the highly restricted grounds to attend a festive party. The event included entertainment by singer Pablo Rosenberg, who was forced to undergo a strict security check before being allowed access to the site.
Since the nuclear plant was built roughly 50 years ago, partners of Dimona employees have complained they were never permitted even a peak into the place where their spouses spend the majority of the day. Up until now, all requests to enter the site, one of the most highly secretive locations in Israel, were categorically turned down.
Dome at Dimona nuclear plant (Photo: Reuters)
But two weeks ago, all of that changed. For the first time, spouses were allowed to participate in an annual party in honor of employees who have been working at the plant for over 40 years. Generally, the celebration is held at a hall in Beer Sheva, but this year Uri Tzemach, a member of the workers’ committee, had the idea to hold the event on the manicured lawns of the nuclear plant, and managed agreed.
Plans grew complicated when workers asked to invite a performer to the event. After employees agreed on Pablo Rosenberg, the senior security officer interfered and carried out a scrupulous background check on the singer and his backup musicians.
“For years I’ve been trying to imagine what my husband’s place of work looks like,” one of the attendees said. “I was very excited when the bus crossed through the gate and we entered the grounds of the plant.”
“As soon as we arrived, they took our cell phones away, so we wouldn’t - God forbid - take pictures,” another spouse related. “The truth is, it was fun. Four hours without being bothered by ringing.”
Musician Pablo Rosenberg summarized his own experience there: “Besides the famous dome, they didn’t let me see anything,” he recounted. “Throughout the visit the only place we were allowed was the site of the show, in the plaza facing the cafeteria. They stuck all sorts of stickers to my shirt and I felt important. In the middle of the performance, we ate dinner in the cafeteria. I’ve never seen such a clean and spotless place in my life. The stainless steel on the ventilators was sparkling as if it was installed yesterday.”
“What impressed me the most was the people that work in the plant. Nice, friendly, full of humor. I told them, ‘Everyone thinks the people that work here are creatures with thick glasses and antennae on their heads that work in tunnels underground, but you guys are great. After meeting you all, I definitely think the people of Israel can sleep soundly,’” Rosenberg said.
