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December 10, 2004/Kislev 27 5765, Vol. 57, No.15
JNF launches Negev initiative
STEPHANIE N. HENSCHEL
Staff Writer
Jewish National Fund and Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael has launched a long-term initiative designed to increase the population of the Negev. Pamela Pullman, campaign associate for the JNF's Arizona office, said that the timing could not be better, given the Gaza withdrawal and the need to relocate many of those settlers.
"The Negev is 60 percent of Israel," Pullman said. "There's a big push to bring people down to the Negev. JNF is way past planting trees - we're building settlements now."
The plan, "Blueprint Negev It's Not a Mirage, It's Our Vision," lays out the blueprint to develop infrastructure for 25 new commuter communities. Seven to 10 of those communities will use Be'er Sheba as the first of three hubs. The other hubs will be Eilat and Mitzpeh Ramon.
The new communities will include housing, reservoirs, parks and other necessary amenities.
With scientific, medical and educational institutions already in place - such as Ben Gurion University - the desert of the Negev is already drawing people. The Jewish State also has plans to move three army bases and one air force base to the area.
Other infrastructure, such as a planned railway system linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Be'er Sheba, will mean less commute times for families living in the area.
"All this is with the goal of bringing more people to the desert," Pullman said.
The goal, according to Ronald S. Lauder, president of JNF, is to bring 250,000 people to the Negev.
There are many possibilities to contribute to the project, Pullman said.
JNF has developed a commemorative JNF 21st Century Pioneer Housing Site Certificate, given to those who contribute $10,000 to help create a new housing site for a family.
But people can also contribute to JNF through the trees and water programs, JNF's cornerstone campaigns.
Pullman also said that any donation is welcome. She said it is not yet decided what project Arizona will be associated with, but talks are underway.
To make a contribution, visit www.jnf.org, or call 602-277-4800.
Contact the writer here
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