Six hundred days after the October 7 attack, as life gradually returns to the western Negev, Sapir College hosted the “Sowing the Future 2” conference on Wednesday—a large-scale initiative aimed at charting a path for rehabilitation, renewal, and strengthening community resilience in the Gaza border communities and the wider region.
A partnership between state and residents
The conference was organized jointly by KKL-JNF (Jewish National Fund) and Histadrut HaHalutza, which brings together Israel’s organized movements: Dror Israel, Tarbut, Hashomer Hatzair, and HaMachanot HaOlim. The goal was to underscore that southern Israel’s recovery cannot rely solely on security, but must be rooted in community education, civil renewal, and strong state-resident partnerships.
Hundreds of educators, activists, and local residents participated, all sharing the belief that the south’s future depends on community, education, and cooperation.
Workshops, vision, and on the ground partnerships
The conference featured both theoretical and practical workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions addressing on-the-ground challenges, youth integration into community development efforts, and strengthening educational communities in the region. Participants presented a variety of inspiring ongoing initiatives—from batei midrash (learning centers) to educational kibbutzim in Sderot and Nir Oz.
According to Sar-Shalom Jerbi, head of the Education and Community Division at KKL-JNF: “Six hundred days after October 7, we see the Negev not only as a challenge but as an opportunity.” He added, “This is our national mission—reviving the south through a belief in life, community, and education.”
Zionism in action
The event was held in the presence of KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, Sapir College President Prof. Nir Kedar, and senior leaders from Israel’s education system and civil society.
Omer Bart, spokesperson for Dror Israel, noted that movement members have been active in affected communities since the beginning of the war. Now, he said, they are convening to plan the next stage of recovery—through early childhood education, reinforcing existing institutions, and promoting young residential growth in hard-hit areas.
