Already partially operational, upon completion Aleh Negev will offer adults with physical and mental disabilities a warm and loving home where they will receive high-level medical and rehabilitative care and vocational training. Its goal is to help these young people develop a greater degree of independence and become productive members of Israeli society.
The 25-acre village, which is located in Israel's southern region, will also provide 12,000 outpatient services to the entire area, and create thousands of jobs for the local residents.
Aleh Negev is setting a new standard in the field of special education for adults with severe disabilities. It is the only facility of its kind in Israel, and is being closely studied by experts from around the world. For a more in-depth look at this exciting new project, sign up for an Aleh Negev tour.
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Aleh Negev
Merchavim Regional Council, P.O.B 771, Ofakim 80300
Tel: 07-323-60555 (please note these #'s contain 10 digits)
Fax: 07-323-60556
Director: Masada Skaly
Why Aleh Negev
As Aleh's children grow up, their needs change. Like other young adults, they long for independence and cherish responsibility.
The new 25-acre Aleh Negev rehabilitative village, located near Ofakim, is a multi-faceted facility that has been designed specifically for people over 21 years of age who are physically or mentally impaired, and for children seeking care in the southern area. A village in every sense of the word, Aleh Negev will provide 220 children and adults with a home, schooling, employment, medical care and opportunities for social interaction.
Aleh Negev will also provide outpatient services to some 12,000 children and young adults with disabilities living in the area, dramatically improving service in the Negev. Until now, the young people had to wait several months for therapy sessions in the existing local medical center or travel as much as four hours to medical centers in the Tel Aviv area.
In addition, the village will provide approximately 500 jobs to area residents in a variety of fields, including education, rehabilitation, maintenance, administration, medicine, supportive care and more.
A National Project for the State of Israel
Aleh Negev represents a unique achievement for the State of Israel. Its cutting-edge concept, whereby adults with disabilities will be empowered to interact with the outside world and become productive members of Israeli society, has set a new benchmark in the field of special education and attracted the attention of experts throughout the world.
Recognizing the importance of this project, the State of Israel deemed Aleh Negev a national project in June 2003. The Israel Lands Administration designated the village an area of 100 dunam (25 acres), and the project is being carried out by Southern Development Authority in coordination with the Aleh Organization.
The chairman of Aleh Negev is Major General Doron Almog, father of Eran O.B.M., a mentally disabled young man who lived at Aleh until his untimely passing, as well as one of Israel's military heroes. The project's board members include public activists, members of academia and economists.
At the groundbreaking ceremony on June 12, 2003, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon praised the establishment of Aleh Negev and commented:
"The location of the village - the city of Ofakim and the regional council of Merhavim - hints to the tremendous potential latent in the Negev, which David Ben Gurion saw as the future of the State of Israel. Every new project built here utilizes this potential and is an expression of its contribution to the development of the area, to an increase in professional manpower, and to the creation of further employment opportunities.
"Thank you to the many individuals and organizations who have joined as partners in the establishment of the village, and my warm wishes for the success of this vital project on behalf of a better society and humanity."
The Village
The Village has been designed to create a warm and homey atmosphere for its residents. On site will be all the services necessary for everyday life, including assisted living quarters, an occupational training center, a state-of-the-art paramedical center, a special education school, a therapeutic swimming pool, a full-service hospital, and cafeterias.
Quality of life issues have also been taken into consideration. The village features a large park for residents to enjoy, as well as plenty of grassy areas that adjoin the living quarters. Throughout the village there will be a separate area for vehicles, to ensure free and safe movement for the residents.
With the completion of construction of Stage 1, over 60 residents currently live and work in their new homes. New residents are accepted weekly, where they are introduced to dozens of innovative programs and services. With Stage II currently underway, Aleh Negev offers an exciting range of donation opportunities for all who wish to contribute to this exciting project.
