Settlement

The Negev Foundation is in the process of establishing a program in partnership with the Ramat Negev Regional Council that assists in providing loans for residents of Israel to settle in the Negev region. The program provides funding for the building of new homes in a “rotating” fund. In other words, the home is built with a very low down payment. The family later replenishes the fund through the repayment of their mortgage.

“Ayalim is a new model of settlement and social action in which vision and reality go hand in hand. By offering housing and academic scholarships in return for community service, this initiative provides young people with a social commitment the opportunity to settle in Israel’s periphery and serve as agents of change.  This cutting-edge project supported by Keren Hayesod is spearheading real change in distressed neighborhoods. 

Over 430 students live in eight Ayalim communities around the country.  Each one volunteers 400 hours of community service annually, working with and serving as a role model for disadvantaged youth. It is hoped that after completing their education, the students will feel committed to the area and settle there permanently, helping to create new employment opportunities and services that benefit the general population.”

- From the Keren Hayesod-UIA website [http://www.kh-uia.org.il/EN/Our-Work/High-Priority-Programs/Pages/Ayalim.aspx]