Accelerating Growth in the Negev
What it’s about
At the fifth annual employers’ conference hosted by the Lauder Center for the Promotion of Employment in the Negev and the Galilee, prominent leaders emphasized the urgent need for focusing on the Negev’s development. The conference was a joint initiative between the Lauder Center, Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA), and the southern branch of the Manufacturers Association of Israel. It gathered representatives from various sectors, including industrial companies, public bodies, security organizations, and leading companies, to address employment challenges and opportunities in the region.
Why it matters
The development of the Negev is seen as pivotal for Israel’s future. Avi Bleshnikov, chairman of the Lauder Center in Israel, stressed that focusing on the Negev’s growth could unlock massive potential for the nation’s economy and fulfill long-term visions held by notable figures like David Ben-Gurion and Ronald Lauder. The region’s growth initiatives aim to tackle significant employment challenges while resilience in the face of economic hardships caused by conflict continues to be crucial.
Confronting New Challenges
Keren Cohen, director of the Lauder Center on behalf of JNF-USA, noted that last year presented unprecedented employment challenges for the Negev. With the backdrop of war, the lack of engineers and difficulty for young academics in finding entry-level jobs were exacerbated by the displacement of many Israelis and economic downturns.
Collective Efforts for Lasting Change
Integral talks by industry leaders at the conference focused on innovative solutions for bolstering employment in the Negev. Avraham Maimon, chairman of the southern branch of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, added that employment resilience is key to economic growth during turbulent times. By investing in high-quality employment solutions, the Lauder Center and its associates strive to transform the Negev into a thriving industrial hub.
Envisioning a Prosperous Future
“Realizing the vision of pioneers like Ben-Gurion and Lauder is critical for meaningful progression in the Negev,” asserted Bleshnikov. The JNF-USA has continuously prioritized the goal of fostering employment and strengthening social resilience in Israel’s southern and northern regions.
This story was first published on jpost.com.