Eretz-Ir

Eretz-Ir The best cities start with their people. People are not aware of what the periphery has to offer. Eretz-Ir focuses on community, entrepreneurship and employment.

Many in Israel believe that one must live in the center of the country in order to find a job, have a nice home and live a good quality of life. At Eretz-Ir we are working to change that by showcasing the incredible opportunities available outside of the country’s center. We believe that in order for Israel to prosper and grow, young adults and young families must see cities in the periphery as a

viable and desirable place to live, that can offer them a high quality of life, allow them to live out the dream of an affordable home, a strong community life, rich cultural events, and local involvement. Eretz-Ir (“Nation-City”) promotes community and economic resilience in cities all across the nation’s periphery, always working with local residents who join us in propelling educational, cultural and economic change from the bottom up. Our network includes 27 communities in 17 cities throughout the country developing community life and creating social businesses. Through accelerator programs and individual and group mentoring, we have worked with over 150 entrepreneurs creating social ventures throughout the country. In the field of employment, Eretz-Ir and JNF partnered in pursuit of JNF’s Blueprint Negev vision in the founding of The Lauder Employment Center, the “Jewish National Fund - Lauder Fellowship Program”, and the overseeing of the NetGev hi-tech hubs for remote employment. Together we act as an overarching body in the creation of partnerships between Negev employers, employment agencies and potential employees. For the first time in Negev history, there is communication between numerous employment bodies, leading to more effective problem solving, increased number of people finding jobs and improvement of employee and employer satisfaction

We believe that in order to create quality of life in the city, human urban renewal is needed. Today, we are an influential factor in turning the cities of Israel’s periphery into centers for of networking, community, renewal and innovation, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and thriving nation.

27 Urban Communities
Over 150 Social-Business Ventures
17 Cities
Approximately 1,500 new jobs

Congratulations to Michal Zamir on her appointment as Chair of the Board of EretzIr!“For years, I have looked with admir...
29/03/2026

Congratulations to Michal Zamir on her appointment as Chair of the Board of EretzIr!

“For years, I have looked with admiration at the tree we planted together — the ‘EretzIr’ tree — its growing roots, its strong trunk, its branches intertwining, connecting and creating connections, its inspiring blossoms, and the fruits of its work. I am filled with awe at how this tree is becoming a grove — a professional ecosystem working to strengthen Israeli society, cultivating urban community and social entrepreneurship.

This year, I have the privilege of joining the Board of EretzIr, taking part in the work on the ground, deepening and expanding our activities, as Chair of the Board.”

Michal steps into this role with a deep familiarity with the organization’s work and a strong belief in the power of community to drive social change. In her new position, she will lead the Board’s efforts to expand EretzIr’s work, in partnership with the organization’s leadership and professional team.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Eran Buchaltzev, the outgoing Chair, for years of dedication, responsibility, and meaningful leadership. His contribution to EretzIr’s journey is deeply felt and will continue to guide us forward.

🔨 Building resilience together 🔨Earlier this week, dozens of residents came together at Kolboinik, Be’er Sheva’s shared ...
24/03/2026

🔨 Building resilience together 🔨

Earlier this week, dozens of residents came together at Kolboinik, Be’er Sheva’s shared tool library, to build benches for public shelters across the city.

What might seem like a simple act of building became something much more—neighbors showing up for one another, creating safer and more welcoming shared spaces in a time when community matters more than ever.

Kolboinik is an initiative led by HaReshet Be’er Sheva, part of EretzIr’s network of community initiatives. HaReshet brings together young adults to lead social initiatives and strengthen civic engagement—building connection, leadership, and a sense of belonging across the city.

💛 This is what community looks like.

Photos by: Mushka Levy Photography מושקא לוי צלמת
הרשת: באר-שבע

Yesterday, the war reached our own backyard.An Iranian ballistic missile struck the heart of a residential neighborhood ...
04/03/2026

Yesterday, the war reached our own backyard.

An Iranian ballistic missile struck the heart of a residential neighborhood just half a mile from EretzIr’s headquarters in Be’er Sheva. This neighborhood is where many from the Beerot Community live. They sustained heavy property damage, but miraculously, community members were not physically harmed.

And in true Beerot spirit, even in the shadow of destruction, they gathered online to host Megillah readings for themselves and for the wider public. This is what community resilience looks like — showing up for one another, no matter what.

We are standing with Beerot and all our communities, strengthening local leaders as they respond, support neighbors, and rebuild together.

Want to stand with them? Donate now >> https://www.jgive.com/new/en/ils/collect/donation-targets/76786/amount

🌳 Trees are not only a symbol of Tu Bishvat — they are urban infrastructure.Through CommuniTrees, an initiative led by E...
22/02/2026

🌳 Trees are not only a symbol of Tu Bishvat — they are urban infrastructure.

Through CommuniTrees, an initiative led by EretzIr and the Good Energy Initiative, we’re advancing a community-based model of urban forestry in Jerusalem, Rosh HaAyin, and Be’er Sheva — bringing residents and municipalities together to grow cooler, more resilient cities.

Our recent planting in Jerusalem with participants from the Saba Day Center in Emek HaYovel was more than symbolic. Each tree adds shade, improves walkability, cools public space, and strengthens quality of life.

In a country warming at twice the global average, urban trees are not an aesthetic choice — they are a necessity.🌱

How do you build a professional community for early childhood caregivers — one that offers real strength and support?Las...
17/02/2026

How do you build a professional community for early childhood caregivers — one that offers real strength and support?

Last week, we joined a learning day for the leaders of Resh*t, a national program focused on strengthening early childhood education from birth to age three.

At EretzIr, we brought what we believe in most: community.

We shared our work in Dimona and how building a professional community connects caregivers who often work alone, encourages peer learning, creates space to navigate daily challenges together, and strengthens relationships with the local municipality.

Because community isn’t a bonus —
it’s what sustains people and long-term change.

How to say goodbye...For seven years, Uri Carmel has led EretzIr with clarity, humility, and an unwavering moral compass...
10/12/2025

How to say goodbye...

For seven years, Uri Carmel has led EretzIr with clarity, humility, and an unwavering moral compass. He reminded us to act with moderation, to grow with intention, and to let integrity guide every decision.

Through a time shaped by pandemic, civic upheaval, and war, Uri never lost sight of his north star—or ours. He strengthened our team, deepened partnerships, expanded our work, and kept community at the heart of everything.

Uri stepped into big shoes but wisely chose to walk in his own, bringing steadiness, wisdom, and humanity to every step. And in choosing the right moment to pass the torch, he leaves us with a final lesson in leadership.

Uri, we are grateful, proud, and full of love. This will always be your community—just a short walk away. With appreciation, the EretzIr Board, General Assembly, and the entire EretzIr community.

Uri Carmel ❤️

EretzIr is proud to be part of the Rash*t Program, which supports home-based early-childhood caregivers and educators. L...
27/11/2025

EretzIr is proud to be part of the Rash*t Program, which supports home-based early-childhood caregivers and educators. Last week, our team took part in a special moment in Dimona: the city’s first gathering for everyone who works with children aged 0–3, from daycare centers to licensed home-based childcare providers.

The message was simple: Home-based childcare providers are a vital part of Dimona’s educational ecosystem, and they deserve professional support, recognition, and a strong peer community. Through the Rash*t Program, we’re working every day to make that happen.

High-quality early childhood education is key to strengthening communities — and strong communities build great cities.

23/11/2025

They say that as we get older, we slow down — we believe it’s exactly the time to dream bigger. 💫

Together with regional partners from the Southern Sorek Cluster and with the support of EretzIr, we launched a journey that helps older adults turn ideas into impact — giving them the tools, confidence, and connections to bring their dreams to life.

Watch the video, meet the inspiring people behind the ideas, and if you’re ready to start something of your own — we’d love to explore how community entrepreneurship can take shape in your town too.

We’re incredibly proud of Gal Rafael Levi, a talented photographer and instructor with visual impairment — who shows us ...
20/11/2025

We’re incredibly proud of Gal Rafael Levi, a talented photographer and instructor with visual impairment — who shows us every day that real vision isn’t about what you see, but how you look.

This week, Gal was featured on national morning show, sharing how he turned his camera into a bridge to the world — a tool for connection, creativity, and belonging.

He is part of SNAP – Special Needs and Photography, a photography studio and proud EretzIr social entrepreneur, that trains young people with disabilities to become professional photographers, and integrates them into the workforce, all while delivering high-quality services to businesses and events. It’s an inspiring example of inclusion, equality, and community in action.

We couldn’t be prouder of Gal and of SNAP!
סנאפ המרכז החברתי לצילום

From Haifa in the north to Mitzpe Ramon in the south, the EretzIr leadership team set out to see our work in the field —...
16/11/2025

From Haifa in the north to Mitzpe Ramon in the south, the EretzIr leadership team set out to see our work in the field — to listen, to ask, and to experience firsthand how communities grow stronger when local leadership takes root.

In Haifa, our team learned about initiatives born from within the community — a public garden, local entrepreneurship, shared spaces, and small businesses shaping neighborhood life.

Further south, in Mitzpe Ramon, they visited spaces co-created with residents and explored how community takes shape through initiative, partnership, and trust.

Across both visits, one message came through clearly: This is how change happens.

We’re proud of our teams, our partner communities, and the leadership that shows up — with commitment, heart, and purpose.

May this be a year of renewal for us all, a year in which the hostages return swiftly to their homes, comfort reaches th...
22/09/2025

May this be a year of renewal for us all, a year in which the hostages return swiftly to their homes, comfort reaches the families, and unity and growth flourish in our cities and communities.

May this year bring healing and hope, and may we always choose togetherness.

Yours,

The EretzIr team

Address

Negba 24
Beersheba
842240

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Sunday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+972737500909

Website

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