GARIN RESOURCE PACKET GO SOUTH Dear Dreamer, We in the Nefesh B’Nefesh Go South program believe founding and developing garinim (seed communities) in southern Israel is of central importance for the region’s development. We have learned through experience the importance of creating human networks and microcommunities for the benefit of Olim and Israelis alike. Such support systems are integral to successful Aliyah. This comprehensive Garin Resource Packet, includes information on most aspects of garin life and the process of their development. We hope you will find the information in this packet beneficial, and that it will assist you to take the next step in your journey to the world of garinim in southern Israel. See you in the Negev! The Go South Team About Us.............................................................................................2 Glossary..............................................................................................6 Organizations that Will Help You...................................................10 How to Start or Join a Garin...........................................................12 The Negev in Numbers.....................................................................16 Incentives to Move South ..............................................................17 Highlighting Olim Garinim..............................................................18 Maps..................................................................................................19 ABOUT US Nefesh B’Nefesh, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah & Immigrant Absorption, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA has revamped the Aliyah process making the idea of moving to Israel a realistic option for many. The organization has revitalized Western Aliyah by removing the financial, professional and logistical obstacles that prevent many individuals from actualizing their dreams. Since its establishment in 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh has assisted over 50,000 Olim from North America and the UK and has maintained a retention rate of over 90%. Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim contribute greatly to the social, economic and demographic welfare of Israeli society by serving in the IDF, settling in Israel’s cities and periphery, and boosting economic growth, while infusing the country with idealistic enthusiasm and optimism. www.nbn.org.il Go South Program The Go South program offers enhanced services and financial benefits to Olim interested in moving to Israel’s southern communities. These enhancements, coupled with the support of dedicated local Nefesh B’Nefesh staff, set the stage for successful Aliyah. www.nbn.org.il/gosouth www.facebook.com/groups/gosouthnbn 2 ABOUT US What is this packet all about? The term garin, meaning “a seed,” is used to refer to a group of individuals and/or families who live together as a community, and are trying to effect some social change in Israel. Throughout this booklet, we will use the plural form of garin which is garinim to refer to seed communities. Don’t be confused with the popular garinim - pumpkin seeds - that Israelis love to crack with their teeth and spit out while reading a newspaper or holding a conversation! The original garinim were founded in the geographically peripheral areas of Israel - Negev, Galilee & Samaria - back in the 1970s, and began to spread rapidly in the 1990s. Currently, there are hundreds of active garinim throughout the country. Many of them receive guidance and financial support from umbrella organizations. Joining a garin can be a wonderful way for a young Oleh single, couple or family to become part of a welcoming and idealistic community! 3 ABOUT US 1. Affordable Housing 2. Welcoming Communities 3. Accessibility 4. Career Options 5. Unique, Unparalleled Scenery 6. 21st Century Zionism: Opportunity to make an impact 4 Why the Negev? Since the days of David Ben Gurion, the Negev has captured the imagination of passionate Zionists. Covering 66 percent of Israel’s land mass, but including only 8 percent of its population, the Negev represents a major opportunity for Olim. So much of the area’s success has been due to the efforts of immigrants from For the State of Israel across the globe, yet Olim from Western countries have yet to capitalize on the to exist, we must opportunities of Israel’s south. The completion of Route 6 and the railway, Go South the construction of new industrial parks, and an increasing number of large Israeli and international companies moving south are all contributing to the development of the region. Israel’s south presents a wealth of opportunities which make it an ideal option for English speaking Olim, including expanding communities, burgeoning industries and cutting edge education. There are many educational options in the south, that span the religious spectrum. Additionally, there are several unique schools; the Anthroposophic and Bi- lingual schools in Be’er Sheva, the Democratic school in Arad, the Environmental school in Sde Boker and the Agricultural school in Eshel HaNasi. Ben Gurion University of the Negev, which brings over 20,000 students to the area, is one of the top academic institutions in Israel. The Negev is now, and the south is where cutting-edge social and commercial innovation happens. Glossary TYPES OF GARINIM GLOSSARY Garin Hityashvut (Settlement Community) - A group of individuals and/or families who live together as a community in an existing settlement, or in a new settlement they have founded together. We define a settlement as a yishuv, moshav, kibbutz, a town or a city. There can be more than one community in the same settlement. Garinim situated in cities and towns are called garinim ironi’im (urban garinim), while garinim in rural environments are called garinim kafri’im (rural garinim). The main goal of the garin hityashvut is to settle the land, while experiencing a meaningful fulfilling communal life. Garin Messimati (Mission-Oriented/ Intentional Community) - A type of garin hityashvut. The members of a garin messimati choose to live an active communal life, and have taken upon themselves a messima (mission). The nature of the mission depends on the community’s social or religious affiliation. For example, there are garinim who settle in underdeveloped neighborhoods in order to provide strength and enrichment. A successful model for these garinim is to forge relationships with veteran neighborhood residents and work with them in partnership. Garin Torani (Torah-Oriented Community) - A type of garin hityashvut, in which the members of the garin are all torani (Orthodox). The garinim torani’im are usually typed as garinim mesimati’im, and are often placed in cities. They seek to infuse a rich and active religious experience into the community. To do so, they often establish Torah classes, and plan events and educational programs to celebrate and commemorate holidays and important dates in the Jewish calendar. Garin Meorav (Mixed/Pluralistic Community) - A type of garin hityashvut in which the members of the garin are both religious and secular. It might also function as a garin messimati, but not necessarily. The goal of these garinim is to be role models for Israeli society, showing the beauty and power that can be found in pluralistic communal life. In doing so, they are encouraging dialogue between the different populations, both on the local and national levels. Garin Svivati (Environmentaly Active Community) - A type of garin messimati. The mission of the community is to be proactive on different environmental issues. The members live their communal lives while preserving the natural environment surrounding them, and usually try to manage in eco-friendly ways, using clean energy and the principle of sustainability. 6 LEGAL TERMINOLOGY GLOSSARY RELEVANT GOVERNMENT Bne Betchah (The ‘Build Your Own House’ Policy) - An Israeli governmental policy that BODIES allows and encourages allotment of plots Mo’atza Mekomit (Local Council) - one of in the peripheral areas of Israel, for citizens the three types of local government entities to purchase cheaply, and use to build their found in Israel, with the other two being homes (private villas). This policy enables cities and regional councils. Local council ownership of relatively large plots with status is determined by passing a minimum gardens, and gives the buyer a free hand in threshold of residents (2,000), enough to designing and building the property. The aim justify operations as independent municipal of bne betchah is to attract more citizens to units, although not large enough to be the periphery, and to privatize the building declared a city. The mo’atza mekomit is process in the country- a step which allows a also the overseer of education and social healthy competition in the construction field. services of the locality. Therefore, it is There are many bne betchah neighborhoods important for the garin members to be in in the Negev. touch and create positive relations with the mo’atza. Michraz (Request For Tenders/RFT) - In Israel, it is common for the government to Mo’atza Ezorit (Regional Council) - one put a building project out to tender; that of the three types of local government is, publish an invitation for all construction entities found in Israel, with the other two contractors and individuals to make a being cities and local councils. Regional proposal for the building’s construction, with councils include representation of the understanding that any competition for anywhere between 3 and 54 communities,