Mission: Strengthen Negev border communities.
Location: Kibbutz Sufa, 2.7km from Gaza border crossing.
Conditions: The privatized kibbutz boasts a firm economy and warm community atmosphere. Unfortunately, close proximity to Gaza makes them an easy target for rockets and deadly mortar shells. Even in quiet times, these attacks occur monthly.
Situation: Due to security fears, many young families have left the kibbutz. In addition, as the community grows older, the younger, new generation are choosing to live in more central locations.
Action Plan One: Market community to attract young families with a pioneering spirit.
Results: Six young families moved in to Sufa during the summer of 2017. In addition to the significant increase of young population, this brought uplifted spirits and hope for the community’s future.
Action Plan Two: Plant strong roots for the future, by establishing a local preparatory academy to train social leaders, and encourage them to use their leadership skills in the local border communities.
The Dream Team: We partnered with Kibbutz Sufa, Ein Prat Academy, JNF-UK, ICA in Israel, and other visionaries, to establish the Ein Prat Academy of Young Social Leadership in Kibbutz Sufa. The academy was dedicated in memory of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, whose life was taken protecting border communities during Operation Protective Edge, and who exemplified the ideals that the academy imparts.
Students of the academy preparing the campus garden.
Results: In just a few short months, the facilities, faculty, and students were all in place! On August 2, 2017, the academy opened its doors to the first 41 students. The future is bright.
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