A message from Ronald S. Lauder.(Brief article)

A little more than a year ago, Jewish National Fund embarked on a challenge, a long-term vision: developing the Negev into a hospitable, habitable, profitable environment that would become home to an additional 250,000 people.

Blueprint Negev is not a mirage, it is a vision becoming a reality--with seven new communities created, hundreds of families moved to the Negev, and new job opportunities.

JNF's Blueprint Negev initiative is essential to Israel's future. The Negev represents 60% of Israel's landmass, but only 8% of its population lives there. Overcrowding and a strain on resources in the center of the country--92% of Israel's population resides on 40 % of Israel's land-further underscore the importance of this plan. Additionally, there are an estimated 170,000 Bedouin in the Negev whose population is expected to double in the next seven years. But their educational and medical standards are very low and unemployment hovers at 90%. Opening up the Negev economically will positively impact their future as well. This is a vision for all of Israel.

Blueprint Negev builds on the extensive work already achieved by KKL/JNF. Over 30 JNF reservoirs already in the Negev translate into 10 billion gallons of water. In Beersheva, new housing and large parks are being built. Together with KKL/JNF and other partners we are creating a $300 million consortium of projects that will transform Beersheva into a bustling metropolis.

JNF has established the Negev Central Information Center, which gathers up-to-date data on communities, job opportunities, housing, and education. Already, 10,000 names of Israelis interested in moving to the Negev are in our central database and we have identified 960 new employment opportunities in the Negev. Today, our vision is turning into a reality.

Blueprint Negev allows us to be 21st century pioneers and to ...