14,500 New Houses in the Negev by 2020

On Ben Gurion Day in 2013, which, this year, fell on November 10, the Israeli government, at a special meeting of the Israeli government; the OR Movement, in partnership with the Minister of Housing Uri Ariel, KKL-JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler and co-Chairman Eli Aflalo, Minister of Development of the Negev and Galilee Silvan Shalom, the Settlement Division and head of the Metar Council Avner Ben Gera passed a decision that will lead to the establishment of two new towns - Cheran and Kasif in the north-eastern Negev by the next decade.

These new towns will include over 14,500 homes in the region. Populating this region of Israel was a government declaration in the 90's, and has moved into the planning and implementation stage today. These new towns will positively affect the entire region and will bring forth improvements in transportation, infrastructure, employment, education, tourism and the overall economy.

Cheran is a mixed community both religious and secular, including 2,500 hou8sing units. This new community will help with the growing problem of lack of housing for young people interested in living in the Negev. During the first stages in Cheran, 400 – 600 homes will be developed and in 2014, over 500 residents are expected to move in.

For the first time in Israel, a new community has been approved for the Ultra-Orthodox which is to be planned and implemented according to a new economic and social concept. Kasif, located besides the Tel Arad junction will include over 12,000 housing units and will provide a sustainable answer to the housing crisis among the Ultra-Orthodox. The new community is to be established with a new comprehensive vision, giving an answer to all of life's needs and not just offering a housing solution.