The apartments were purchased as part of a program approved by the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) Board of Directors to acquire hundreds of homes in cities across the Negev and Galilee. The initiative aims to encourage young people to relocate to these regions, strengthen local settlement, and establish vibrant, long-term communities.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with “BeArtzenu,” a movement dedicated to social and community engagement among graduates of pre-military preparatory programs. It is designed for young families who have chosen to make Arad their home – establishing their families there while taking an active role in educational, social, and community initiatives. As part of the program, the families will live in apartments purchased by KKL-JNF while committing to becoming active members of the local community and leading initiatives in education, social development, and community life. The initiative seeks to strengthen the social fabric of cities in the Negev and Galilee, encourage long-term settlement, and contribute to the region’s social resilience.
The key handover ceremony was held in Arad in the presence of KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, Arad Mayor Yair Maayan, representatives of the pre-military preparatory programs, BeArtzenu, KKL-JNF management, and the families moving into their new homes.
Photo:Eddie Israel, KKL-JNF Public Relations Department
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky: “Zionism in 2026 is measured by our ability to encourage young families to choose the Negev and Galilee as the places where they will build their homes and their futures. This initiative represents an investment in people – in those who choose to lead, strengthen communities, and help develop Israel’s periphery. The seven families moving into their homes in Arad today are the first to take part in a large-scale effort aimed at transforming the Negev and Galilee into regions of growth, community development, and hope."
Arad Mayor Yair Maayan: “Over the past year, the city of Arad has welcomed hundreds of families of reservists and career military personnel. I thank KKL-JNF’s leadership for its partnership and for joining this project to provide new apartments in Arad. The initiative brings young couples – reservists and graduates of pre-military preparatory programs – to the city, families who will contribute to strengthening Arad and its community.”