The World Zionist Village will be built in the heart of Beersheba by 2028 in what is set to be the largest educational project of its kind in recent decades, the Jewish National Fund-USA announced.
The village, which is being backed by an NIS 1.2 billion investment, will be managed by the Waxman Group of engineers. The master plan for its construction is being developed by HQ Architects.
It is expected that the World Zionist Village campus will cover a sprawling six and a half hectares.
What is a World Zionist Village?
The educational campus is expected to be a global hub for Zionist education and contemporary discourse, as well as a place to foster intergenerational and community connections. It will host a number of diverse educational programs for a broad range of demographics, such as young people, older students, community leaders, and more all from across the world.
The campus will also be home to an interactive learning center on the history of Zionism and an environmental innovation center. It will also host the Institute for Contemporary Zionist Thought, which will have in-depth discussions on the key issues impacting Zionism today, with the goal of creating a better understanding of Zionism for the year 2100.
But at the center of the village will be another Israeli campus of the Alexander Muss International High School, which offers overseas students a Zionist education program in Israel.
“This is the largest and most significant Zionist initiative being pushed today, and it is being launched precisely in Beersheba, the cradle of Zionism,” JNF-USA CEO Russell Robinson said.
Robinson touted the city’s ancient historical connection to the Jewish people, which goes back over 3,000 years.
“Beersheba has always been at the heart of our vision,” he continued, saying that constructing the World Zionist Village there serves to reaffirm their deep commitment to develop the Negev and strengthen the connections between Israel and the Diaspora.
“After the attack we suffered in Beersheba and the painful loss of human life, this is our answer: we will not surrender, we will not stop,” Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich said, referring to the World Zionist Village as a “living bridge.” He also noted that more architects are invited to take part in the planning and construction.
“This is educational, ethical, and architectural news - and we invite the best architects to take part in the realization of one of the most important Zionist projects.”
“In an era when public discourse around Zionism is sometimes biased, confused, or hostile, and connections to a Jewish-Zionist identity are weakening, the need arises to create a positive, unifying, and inspiring space to learn, talk, connect, and build bridges, said World Zionist Village CEO Ira Green.
“Many young Jews in the Diaspora feel alienated from Israel, and Jews around the world are suffering from rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism. The gaps between Jewish communities are widening. Our village will be a major bridge, both educational and social, to bring together and unite the Jewish people today and in the future.”