What is needed to establish a space where tens of thousands can study, experience, and discuss Zionism in a meaningful, future-focused way? In this episode of Zionist Talks, host Corinne Baum interviews Ira Green, CEO of the World Zionist Village, about one of Jewish National Fund–USA’s most ambitious initiatives. Green describes the Village as a major educational campus expected to welcome over 20,000 teens, adults, and seniors annually.
Through classes, seminars, and immersive programs, participants will delve into Zionism’s history and engage with Israel’s current and future. The Village will also feature opportunities to learn about innovations in ag-tech, clean-tech, and Beersheba’s rapidly growing ecosystem. When asked why Beersheba was chosen over Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, Green links the choice to heritage and vision. Referencing Torah portions about Abraham’s journeys, he highlights the city’s symbolic importance and modern vibrancy. "This was the… birthplace of Zionism,” he says, emphasizing that the location fits both the tradition and innovation goals: “It makes perfect sense that it's in Beersheba.”
He mentions that JNF-USA is engaging a broad range of donors and major philanthropic foundations, partly motivated by a renewed interest among world Jewry to understand recent events and strengthen Zionist identity. Many are looking for opportunities “to restore the conversation” and rebuild positive relations with Israel.
Another milestone was the approval of the Village’s master plan by the City of Beersheba. This process took nearly two years of design work with a large, multidisciplinary team, including sustainability experts aiming to ensure the campus can “not only survive in the desert climate, but actually thrive.”
Reflecting personally, Green shares that he comes from a background in business development rather than philanthropy, having built companies in financial services, plastics manufacturing, and solar energy. Leading the World Zionist Village, he says, gives him the chance “to enable this amazing, amazing facility to open and to be filled with wonderful people, content, and experiences.”
This article was created in collaboration with JNF-USA.