Imagine a conversation about Israel, about the future of Jewish leadership, about the next 25–50 years, wherein high school students, college students, post-graduates, teachers, young leaders, and older adults are all part of one loud crescendo of voices. Imagine the discourse. Imagine the brilliance. Imagine the outcome. Imagine the future.
With the vision of creating this ecosystem—the only one of its kind in the world—for global Jewry of all ages to convene at once or at different times on a single campus with programming, shared spaces, accommodations, and harnessing the power of positive Israel/Jewish conversation, Jewish National Fund-USA is building this world-class campus in Be’er Sheva that will revolutionize Zionist and Jewish educational engagement for the decades ahead.
Why Be’er Sheva
Be’er Sheva: from Abraham’s well to the Be’er Sheva River Park
Over 3,000 years ago Abraham purchased a well in Be’er Sheva, beginning the Jewish people’s connection to the Negev Desert. Thousands of years later, Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, said it was there that the pioneering spirit and valor of the Jewish people would be tested.
Today, our Blueprint Negev campaign is bringing half a million people to the Negev, with Be’er Sheva as the centerpiece. Home to the Lauder Employment Center, the 1,300-acre Be’er Sheva River Park, a lake, amphitheater and sporteque, Israel’s largest indoor mall, a burgeoning night life, and more, Be’er Sheva is now a destination in its own right. An emerging international biotechnology, cyber security, R&D center, home to top universities, it is one of the fastest growing cities in Israel, and the natural home to the World Zionist Village.
Why High School In Israel
The ultimate college prep study abroad program in Israel builds southern campus
It is no secret that high school abroad affords teens the opportunity for new experiences, experiential learning, and greater independence while enhancing their college prospects.
The Alexander Muss High School in Israel provides an immersive teen Israel experience that is pluralistic, and strongly Jewish in nature, and teaches 4,000+ years of Jewish and Israeli history using the land of Israel as a living classroom. The students learn how to effectively speak about Israel and her challenges, as they prepare for life on a college campus where they will undoubtedly encounter anti-Israel sentiments.
Since Jewish National Fund’s acquisition of the high school five years ago, our population has grown from 800 to 1,400 students per year. With the goal of 5,000 students annually within the next 6 years, more classrooms and facilities are urgently needed. A brand new state-of-the-art facility in Be’er Sheva, alongside tech giants, a world-class university and top-rated medical center, as well as fabulous new municipal assets like JNF’s river walk and amphitheater, will bring us to the next level.
Why Tech
Be’er Sheva named hi-tech city of the future.
Many of our college graduates are looking for careers in the technology fields of information, health, cyber security, and software. Companies are looking for college graduates to have had these hands-on experiences, so internships are a necessity.
Jewish National Fund will use its vast connections through the Lauder Employment Center, Nefesh B’Nefesh, and its relationships with companies such as Dell, Intel, and Cisco to help college graduates and post-graduates obtain internships for one or two years in Be’er Sheva. This internship program will not only help our young people land their dream jobs, it will connect them to the land and the people of Israel while they live in our multi-use campus — a winning formula for cultivating young people to become the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Why Adult Education
We believe in the future of Global Jewry
Join the greatest conversation to build bridges across generations, denominations, and politics as we embark on the first global Zionist education center. This state-of-the-art center will inspire Jewish leaders of all ages and backgrounds from across the globe. Educational content developed by world renowned Jewish experts will allow learners of all levels to explore the richness and beauty of the Jewish world including projects that are part of Jewish National Fund‑USA’s Eco‑Zionism® efforts. A top-quality conference center with ample space for organizations and individuals will draw teachers, adult learners and scholars from Oklahoma to Dimona. Comfortable and modern overnight accommodations for short and longer term stays will allow visitors to connect with a rich mosaic of Jewish people from all walks of life who are unified in their belief in a vibrant future for global Jewry.