World Zionist Village

CEO Letter • December 2024

Shalom Villagers,

Our vision of creating a dynamic space where individuals from all backgrounds come together to explore ideas, share perspectives, and deepen our collective understanding of Zionism was on display last month at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, where it came to life in a series of Village Talks and Conversations at the World Zionist Village Pavilion.

The conversations among a wide range of personalities including among others Col. Richard Kemp, Prof. Shai Davidai, Rabbi Erez Sherman, Olympic Champion, Peter Paltchik, Scholar and Prof. Ken Stein and Emily Austin, presented engaging discussions on Zionism and Zionist issues in an intimate setting encouraging open conversations among the participants.

Click here to watch the full list of Village Talks and Conversations on the World Zionist Village Channel.

Join us in bringing the Village to life and supporting our efforts as we plan for construction to begin in 2026. Now more than ever before, we need to make a bold statement with Zionist education, which is crucial in combating the unprecedented rise in antisemitism, fostering pride and awareness of our Jewish heritage and history. By providing a learning and living experience nurturing understanding of Israel's significance and story, we can strengthen the community's resilience against harmful stereotypes and hate, and impact the future of our children and grandchildren.

Warm regards,
Ira Green
CEO, World Zionist Village

Be’er Sheva is the Capital of Zionism.

Addressing a crowd at the Pavilion, the mayor of Be’er Sheva, Ruvik Danilovich, offered his strong support for the World Zionist Village in centering Be’er Sheva as the focal point of Zionist education and dialogue.

"This Village represents more than just a local project—it's vital to Israel's future,” he said.

“This Village will transform how people perceive Be’er Sheva, the capital of the Negev.
The Village carries a vital mission: to attract young people from across the globe to this historic city. How fitting that it will rise in Be’er Sheva, the city of our fore-father Abraham, where our shared destiny first began.”

The mayor further remarked how Jewish National Fund-USA’s contribution to Be’er Sheva’s growth as the Capital of the Negev is doing much to strengthen the entire South of Israel.  “Though I speak as Beer Sheva's Mayor, I represent the southern region's aspirations for tomorrow. Remember: a strong Negev means a strong Israel. Through your vision, motivation, and leadership, you're strengthening both the Negev and Israel itself.” 

A Global Hub for Education

As the first and only global space for Zionist education, the Village will be home to the Zionist Institute providing global leaders, historians, and educators with the platform to bring to life education and learning like never before.

One of the leading scholars paving the path of education at the Village is Professor Ken Stein, President, Center for Israel Education, and co-chair, World Zionist Village Education Sub-Committee.

He spoke at the Village Pavilion on A scholar's view of Jewish National Fund’s role in building Israel: Why Essential Elements of Zionism Cannot and Should Not Be Changed by October 7.

Watch his Conversation to see how education will come to life at the Village as the pillar of change and light in the world. (Prof. Ken Stein Conversation video)

The World Zionist Village - Our Modern Well

For Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Jewish National Fund-USA, creating life in Israel’s Negev and elevating Be’er Sheva as its true capital is a lifelong journey.

"Just as Abraham’s well in Be’er Sheva - the first Jewish purchase in history 3,600 years ago - served as both a source of water and a gathering place for vital conversations, the World Zionist Village will become our modern well,” he said. “Like the ancient well that nourished both body and soul, this Village will be a center where people come together, not just to meet their physical needs, but to engage in the meaningful dialogues that sustain our shared future.”

Standing on the very grounds where Abraham established this tradition of communal gathering and discourse, the World Zionist Village will continue this legacy, serving as a wellspring of connection for the Jewish people and their friends from around the globe.

Zionist Innovation at the Center

The World Zionist Village will house a Living Lab for Innovation, featuring pioneering Israeli ClimaTech and DeserTech by leading start-ups that will spread across the outdoor areas of the Village. The showcase of Israeli innovation the Village highlights a core value of Zionism: imploring us to take control of our own destiny and make our tomorrow even better.

Watch some of these informative and inspiring Village Talks hosted at the Pavilion: Click here

Gen Z(ionists) Impact

The mission to educate future generations and provide them with the tools they need to be proud Zionists and leaders has been a long-time mission of Jewish National Fund-USA through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel program.

The World Zionist Village will grow that mission and host thousands of high school students from across the globe, expanding the capacity of the program and educating generations to come.

Watch this powerful Village Talk by Muss Alumni Bali Lavine “Turning Passion into Action: Battling Antisemitism at Tulane University with Everlasting Hope for the Future”. Bali is the president of Students Supporting Israel at Tulane University and the co-president of The Movement to Address Antisemitism.

Muss Alums Videos, Village Debate Video, ClubZ Video

Invest in Our Future​

Make a legacy investment in our future!

Join our mission! Educate and empower our next generations and build the world’s most ambitious and important initiative for the Jewish world.

Sponsorships and naming opportunities are available.

Educational and program partners are welcomed.

If you would like to make a legacy contribution to the Village or sign on as a founding member of the Village and get involved, please contact Boaz Meir at bmeir@jnf.org.