Eliav is a community of both secular and religious, of nature and ecology, built in the end of 2004, currently populated by 70 families including about 140 children. The community is built on a foundation of coexistence, peace, and tolerance, and is home to Israelis of all backgrounds and religions. The community is located in the heart of the magnificent views of the Lachish region, surrounded by forests. Eliav is 35 minutes from Be'er Sheva and 50 minutes drive from Jerusalem.
About Eliav
Established: 2004
Location: Lachish region, 35 minutes from Be'er Sheva and 50 minutes' drive from Jerusalem
Council: Lachish Regional Council
Character: Secular and Religious mix
Population: 70 families
Category: Community town
Affiliates: JNF USA, JNF UK, and Ira Rennert, and Safra Family
About: Eliav is a community of both secular and religious, of nature and ecology, built in the end of 2004, currently populated by 70 families including about 140 children. The community is located in the heart of the magnificent views of the Lachish region, surrounded by forests. Eliav is 35 minutes from Be'er Sheva and 50 minutes drive from Jerusalem.
The original name of the settlement was “Harov,” carob, due to the carob trees growing in the region. After the death of Lova Eliav, who established the Lachish region and died just during the inauguration ceremony of the community, the name was changed Eliav.
The community will expand to about 220 families, the community established a synagogue, a shopping center, daycare centers, and kindergartens. The community members of Eliav each live according to their beliefs and path, as the public space allows the coexistance between the different streams of Judaism.
OR Movements efforts for the community include gaining government decisions, assistance in planning, assistance to the legal processes, core group efforts, marketing plots, resource development, events, housing, public buildings, government resource mobilization, advocacy, and communications.
Foundation: The Eliav community was established in 2004 by a group of religious and secular families. The initial pioneering group included 13 families who lived in caravans at the community’s edge for nine years, until they were able to build permanent homes.
Community Vision: Eliav is a secular and religious community that sustains shared community life, social engagement, tolerance, environmental, and educational values. The development of the community is under the banner of secular and religious tolerance. Each family in the community lives life according to their faith, taking into account other community members. The community will foster Jewish culture through lifelong learning, broadening their horizons, and holding festivals unique to the community.
Education is located in the top priority, and resources are invested accordingly. A unique education system has developed in Eliav, which will convey the vision of the community and its values, and educate with light. Parents in the community will be part of the education system, and will combine their skills and abilities to the different aspects of education. The Eliav education system will be open to all residents of the area.
Eliav stands for the development of a caring community that shares an active social life, equality of rights, and respect for other. The living, breathing community will be the center of life of its inhabitants. Social involvement of each resident is encouraged according to ability and skills. Eliav decisions are made democratically, from joint thinking, humility, and mutual respect.
Tolerance, forgiveness, and open communication are the main tools used to resolve disputes.
The community supports environmental principles – designing, developing, and building the community while minimizing environmental impact, and maximizing attempt to integrate the existing landscape. Conservation of the environment will be emphasized in the community's public activities, and will be integrated as part of the educational system.
