The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has become more actively engaged in activities connected to Israel’s Negev region in recent years, and the last few weeks specifically have seen a number of significant activities including a leadership trip to the region, the launch of new Negev-dedicated web page on the JFNA site, and the release of a mapping of Negev involvement.

In a first-time effort, JFNA’s Israel Office has recently completed a preliminary mapping process of Federation involvement in the Negev Region. The report, based on the research findings, identifies the diverse programmatic initiatives in which federations have been involved in the Negev, and also estimates the total investment in the region on behalf of North American Jewish Federations. The mapping points to some $44 million invested in the Negev through direct Federation investments in 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010. The full report can be seen here.

In addition, JFNA recently launched a new hub on its web site, dedicated to Federations’ Negev involvement. The site, which spotlights individual Federation activities in the Negev and contains news, information and other materials, can be viewed here.

According to JFNA’s Senior Vice President and Director of the Israel Office, Rebecca Caspi, “There are a number of Federations who have worked long and hard with partner and other communities in the Negev region. JFNA is proud to harness the power of the collective to convene and cooperate in order to achieve even greater results for the many significant needs that exist in Israel’s south.”

In a further development, JFNA’s Negev Work Group, chaired by Marilyn Blumer, conducted a study tour that was held as part of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)’s recent Assembly. The primary purpose of the day, during which temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, was to enable Work Group members to learn and experience seven different region-wide initiatives that the group has been developing with partners. Over ten federations were represented on the visit, along with Israel and Overseas Chair, Shep Remis.

One of the day’s highlights was a visit in the Bedouin town of Rahat with Rami Nasasra, whose Keshet Be’annan (Rainbow) home and car paints supply store is one of the recipients of the Ness Loan Fund. The Fund, established by the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey which partners with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is operated by JAFI, has granted over 200 loans to small businesses throughout the Negev. Members of Rami’s family hosted the visit, including Sheikh Ahmed Nasasra, who talked of Rahat’s residents and attempts to integrate into Israeli society.

The day’s program also included a gathering with young adult leaders in the Ringleblum Café in Beersheva, one of Israel’s leading social enterprises; a meeting with the senior civil servant responsible for Negev development, Ms. Adva Eshel, from the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee; a visit to the OR Movement’s new Gateway to the Negev Center and Information and Relocation Center and a session with colleagues from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) on One Stop Employment Centers for Bedouins and a Regional Network of Young Adults Centers in the Negev. 

For further information please contact Lee Perlman.