Federation Continues to Support the Negev

The Negev Desert covers nearly 60 percent of Israel’s territory, yet is home to just eight percent of its population. Our Federation is actively working to improve the quality of life for its residents through the Negev Funding Coalition. To that end, Federation professionals and Jewish community leaders recently came together at the third Negev Summit to learn more about the ongoing efforts within the region. The conference focused on the variety of strategies to make the area a creative, healthy and holistic place to live for current and future residents. Attendees heard from domestic groups interested in forming partnerships, such as ArtPlace America, varied groups at Drexel University, Israel’s Ministry of Defense Southern Relocation Unit regarding the planned relocation of the remaining army bases over the next nine years, and many others.

Building on the success of the Miami-Yerucham Partnership, for the past seven years, Federation has been one of seven member-communities comprising The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Negev Funding Coalition (NFC). Through the NFC, Federation plays an active role in regional development that aims to increase the vitality and attractiveness of the Negev for its current and potential future residents. By supporting important area programs in the fields of healthcare, culture, education, infrastructure and employment, Federation is helping make Israel's Negev region a more fulfilling place to live. Negev Now, an NFC initiative focused on creative and healthy placemaking, is a critical step in this journey as the region prepares for an influx of IDF, counter-terrorism and intelligence bases in the coming years.