Building Communities

JNF’s role in developing communities in Israel

Over time, JNF has played a central role in developing hundreds of communities in Israel, including the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv. Today, we’re still dreaming big. With 90% of Israel’s population concentrated in the Tel Aviv- Haifa-Jerusalem Corridor, the rest of the country is left largely uninhabited. This is why population growth and regional economic development in Israel’s northern and southern regions form the backbone of our Go North and Blueprint Negev strategies. Our goal is to realize the full potential of the Galilee and Negev as rich centers of agriculture, tourism and technology development. By motivating scores of Israelis in overcrowded cities—and thousands of Americans—to move to the Negev and Galilee, we are in the process of dramatically changing Israel’s landscape. Now, once barren lands are prospering through a combination of visionary programs and partnerships that focus strategically on immigration growth, infrastructure development, faster housing starts, career training & employment services, and ensuring green spaces and recreation sites for families.

Northern Israel, known as the Galilee, has long been recognized for its great potential. The majority of Israel’s natural water resources and abundant forests are in the Galilee, and its gorgeous scenery, climate, rich history and culture attract millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. But despite the region’s plethora of assets, it remains underdeveloped and falls short of its economic potential. Jewish National Fund’s Go North initiative is revitalizing this region, with the goal of bringing 300,000 new residents to the area and supporting them with critical modern infrastructure, increased tourism, and opportunities for education and employment. The Go North strategic initiative to strengthen and grow the region is vital for the long-term strength and prosperity of our Jewish homeland.

The Negev Desert

The Negev Desert represents 60% of Israel’s landmass but is home to just 8% of the population. Jewish National Fund’s major initiative to revitalize this underdeveloped region is called Blueprint Negev. This interdisciplinary, internationally recognized campaign is improving quality of life for all residents of Southern Israel and encouraging a population shift away from crowded, expensive central Israel. Our goal is to double the population’s size by bringing 500,000 new residents to the Negev. In order to do this, we are playing a major role in community development across this region, building parks, playgrounds, and youth centers; providing employment and education opportunities; promoting tourism; improving transportation; and building water and agricultural infrastructure. Today, Be’er Sheva and the surrounding communities are blooming in a once barren desert.

Housing Development Fund

Affordable housing, with access to good schools, jobs, and community, is central to our goal of establishing new neighborhoods in the north and south. The Housing Development Fund provides targeted funding for physical infrastructure which is needed to commence the home building process. Under Israeli municipal regulations, physical infrastructure can only be developed after all the lots in a community are purchased and financed, which can lead to delays of up to five years. The Housing Development Fund provides loans to communities, lending them the capital necessary for ground infrastructure to be completed. This initiative is imperative to investing in the Negev and Galilee by speeding up the process of home ownership. To date, the Housing Development Fund has supported over 1,340 lots. Over 932 lots are under expansion in the south, with another 408 under expansion in the Galilee. These new housing developments will provide homes for new families, immigrants, olim, military veterans, and seniors - all groups in need of affordable housing outside of crowded urban areas.