Building the Future of Israel
The Need
Israel’s population is growing at a fantastic rate: by the year 2048 it is predicted to double and reach 17 million.
The current demographic and economic spread in Israel has an unsustainable reliance on the center of the country. This dependency has already created several problems, including a national housing crisis.
If the situation continues along with the State’s forecasted population growth, the problems will be exacerbated. An economy and population of 17 million dependent on one small state center will cause overcrowding, prohibitive housing prices, immovable traffic, and overall loss in quality of life.
The solution is in the underpopulated remaining 70% of the land mass, the Negev and Galilee Regions.
Our Vision
Israel is the best country in the world to live in: A nation that is united, stable, secure and thriving for every citizen, everywhere
Our Mission
To transform the Negev and Galilee into thriving, independent centers of life by attracting new pioneers, creating high-quality job opportunities, building essential infrastructure and executing strategic initiatives for lasting growth and resilience.
Our Story & Accomplishments
In 1999, four childhood friends set out on a hike across Israel, with a mission: to determine what Zionism meant for the next generation. They trekked through the Negev and Galilee and saw a vast space of land, neglected. Communities were sparse and growing old, while the youth were leaving for the country’s center. In this spurned area, the young friends saw the future.
The group began with a statement. They established Sansana – the first new community in the Negev after fifteen years of stagnancy. Pioneering in Israel had entered a new era, and OR Movement was born.
Today over 50,000 OR Movement pioneers live in new and renewed communities of the Negev and Galilee.
9 New Towns were established by OR Movement: Sansana, Merchav Am, Be’er Milka, Givot Bar, Mitzpeh Ilan, Eliav, Carmit, and Dror.
64 Communities, rural and urban, completed the process of strengthening and expanding.
51 Seed Groups (Pioneering Impact Groups) have been guided to the Negev & Galilee.
110 Public and Community infrastructure projects have been completed, including: community centers, entrances, synagogues, mikvahs, early education centers, sports fields, parks, residential buildings, temporary camps, and more.
Awards
- The Algemeiner Award for 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life (2013)
- The Yigal Alon Award for Exemplary Pioneering Activities (2012)
- The first-ever Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation and Initiatives (2010)
- The Knesset Speaker’s Award for Quality of Life (2009)
- The President of Israel Volunteers Award (2006)
Finances
OR Movement finances fall into two categories; Programs and Projects.
Program Budget
Our Program Budget totals an annual budget of between 1-3 million USD, depending on the resource development of that year. It is primarily used for research and planning; the strengthening of existing communities and cities; the establishment of new communities; guidance and establishment of pioneering impact groups; running our information and visitors center; creating awareness; relocation campaigns; and the like.
Project Budget
Our Project Budget reaches an annual budget of between 2-5 million USD for aid and completion of public infrastructure for the needs of various communities. These projects are chosen for the impact that they will have on the population growth of Negev & Galilee communities.
Accelerating the Implementation of Government Funding
Outside of our OR Movement organizational budget, we make it a priority to be aware of portions of the state budget which are allocated to the Negev and Galilee. We push for the implementation of these budgets, which are often frozen due to inattention or bureaucratic delay.