(Photo: Yossi Ifargan, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
On September 8, 2020, a cornerstone was laid for the Alexander Teter Gross KKL-Tech Sha’ar HaNegev Center for Innovation in Sderot, which was donated by JNF Australia. The KKL-Tech will serve as a center for international knowledge on the subjects of AgriTech and Sustainability. The cost of the project is estimated at NIS 20 million.
Attending the event were Minister of Economy - MK Amir Peretz, Minister of Agriculture - MK Alon Schuster, Chief of the Southern Command - Major General Herzi Halevi, Negev Regional Council Director – Ofir Liebstein, Mayor of Sderot – Alon Davidi, KKL-JNF representatives and other honorable guests.
KKL-JNF world Chairman – Daniel Atar: “The future of the State of Israel lies in the strengthening of the periphery. Only by promoting the Negev and the Galilee will millions of Israelis be able to build a home and realize their dreams. KKL-JNF thanks its JNF Australia partners for their willingness to join this important initiative to strengthen the settlement of the Negev. The launch of the Innovation Center in Sha’ar HaNegev – Sderot is a significant step in realizing the KKL-JNF vision– ‘Israeli Relocation – Israel 2040’.
"As someone who has spearheaded the project since its inception, I am filled with pride as I see it become a reality and wish to thank our partners for promoting the project and bringing the dream of making the Negev bloom to fruition.” Atar concluded.