Community & Culture
Building strong, vibrant communities in the Negev region
Sha’ar HaNegev Projects
Rebuilding Identity & Social Connections in Sha’ar Hanegev
After years of uncertainty, the region is rebuilding and growing stronger. The population of Sha’ar Hanegev is expected to double in the coming years.
As residents are returning to their homes, and funding these programs is vital for this rapidly growing region. These programs are not merely extracurricular—they are crucial for rebuilding a sense of normalcy, reconnecting with peers, and supporting emotional recovery. Funding these programs is an investment in the future of an entire generation.
The Negev Foundation seeks partners to support youth programs in the Sha’ar HaNegev region as residents work to rebuild their lives and communities in the wake of October 7.
Ranging from art and science to sports, these programs aim to support the residents of the region.
Ganim LaChaim (Kindergartens for Life)
Early childhood kindergarten equipment is needed for three existing classrooms and more are expected to be built.
In the aftermath of October 7, young children in Sha’ar HaNegev are growing up in a reality shaped by trauma, instability, and ongoing security challenges. Early childhood frameworks play a critical role in restoring a sense of safety, routine, and emotional stability.
This project focuses on equipping new kindergartens (ages 3–6) with a trauma-informed educational environment, designed to support children’s emotional regulation, sense of belonging, and healthy development.
The initiative is led by the “Ganim LaChaim” (Kindergartens for Life) model — a professional framework that integrates pedagogical design with therapeutic principles tailored for children who have experienced trauma.
Need: 20,000 USD (per classroom)
Wellness & Social Connections
Hydrotherapy to Benefit Sha’ar HaNegev Seniors
The trauma from October 7 continues to shape the lives of Sha’ar HaNegev residents. Many seniors remain displaced or live with heightened anxiety, further compounding their physical and emotional challenges.
The Hydrotherapy & Wellness Center, under the leadership of Nadav Peretz, has played a pivotal role in coordinating support efforts for the community. “Programs like hydrotherapy do more than rehabilitate the body—they heal the spirit,” Nadav explains. Through innovative approaches and a focus on holistic care, the Resilience Center and the Hydrotherapy Center are working together to help rebuild the lives of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
The hydrotherapy program relies heavily on philanthropic support. Government funding covers basic operations, but sustaining and expanding these vital services requires external partnerships. Donations enable the program to offer a full 11 months of weekly sessions, ensuring that no senior is left behind in the recovery process.
Need: 43,000 USD
Communal Holiday Events
A Program to Foster Morale and Resilience
This program aims to support Sha’ar HaNegev’s eleven communities in developing and executing Jewish and Israeli holiday events throughout the year. The goal is to strengthen communal bonds, enhance cultural heritage, and improve morale in the aftermath of October 7, 2023.
The local communities are encouraged to take an active role in event planning, with oversight from the community council and the local Community Center, in developing activities and programs that meld traditional and local values. It is vital for residents of this area, who were traumatized, to restore their sense of well-being.
The challenge is to develop programs that relate to a diverse population within Sha’ar HaNegev. The regional council, with its Culture & Community Department, has a strong history of organizing successful events and programs for this demographic.
Need: 175,000 USD
Situated to the Western Negev, the events of October 7th gravely impacted the residents of Sha’ar HaNegev. Seven of its eleven communities were displaced until recently. Your support is greatly needed.