On Monday, October 31, a new amphitheater opened at the Sapir Academic College. The amphitheater was built thanks to the support of KKL-JNF's Friends and donors in Germany, commemorating the strong ties between the KKL-JNF community and the Sapir and western Negev communities.
Participants in the opening ceremony included Yaffa Flor, President of KKL-Germany; Yaniv Maimon, Manager of the Southern Region in KKL-JNF; Adv. Gilad Sher, Chairman of the Board at the Sapir Academic College; Professor Nir Kedar, President of the Sapir Academic College; Ms. Orna Gigi - Chief Executive Officer at the Sapir Academic College and Mr. Ofir Libstein – Head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council.
The amphitheater occupies a space of 4,930 square meters and contains 1,000 seats, and it is intended to be used by the entire student community at the college, and the Sapir and western Negev communities. In the future, it will host the college's ceremonies, cultural events and shows and more.
The amphitheater was built by the Studio Urbanof Landscape Arrchitecture company, chaired by Lior Levinger, with Max Dubashinski as project architect.
The amphitheater was built according to the vision of the first President of the Sapir Academic College, the late Professor Ze'ev Tzahor, and that of Dr. Nahmi Paz, former CEO of the Sapir Academic College, in order to assure cultural life in Sapir and create a lively atmosphere in the campus, and for the amphitheater to be used for the benefit of the students and the residents of the entire western Negev region.
Yaniv Maimon, Manager of the KKL-JNF Southern Region: "KKL-JNF is proud to take part in the establishment of the amphitheater which opened today at the Sapir Academic College. We are glad to take part in the establishment of a lively events center for the benefit of the students and the residents of the Negev."
Yaffa Flor, President of KKL-Germany: "We hope that the amphitheater will be used as a lively social and cultural meeting spot for the students and the residents of the area. We believe it will provide strength and new possibilities for peaceful living. Enjoy the amphitheater. We wish you all a wonderful academic year."
Professor Nir Kedar, President of the Sapir Academic College: "The amphitheater which opened today is the beating heart of Sapir. It is the geographic heart – its main, green, open and inviting nature; it is the academic heart – here we open the new academic year and celebrate graduations; and it is its social beating heart – the 'town square' available to the entire college community and all residents of the area, inviting a civilian discussion, cultural activities and social meetings. I thank the former College Presidents, Professors Ze'ev Tzahor and Omri Yadlin, as well as to former College CEO Dr. Nahmi Paz for the vision, and KKL-Germany and KKL-JNF in Israel for their contribution and effort to make this vision come true."
Adv. Gilad Sher, Chairman of the Board at the Sapir Academic College: "After ten years of difficulties and setbacks, this is a day of celebration for Sapir and the residents of the western Negev and Gaza border. I would like to thank everyone who thought, did and insisted on making the vision a reality. The amphitheater is already used as a center for knowledge, culture and art, enjoyed by everyone, and I hope it will keep fulfilling its destiny as a symbol of peace, quiet and safety."