The apartments are designated for members of mission-driven communities working in Nahariya in the fields of education, welfare, culture, and community development. Under the program, participants will be able to live in the city at subsidized rent in exchange for a commitment to continued social and community involvement and long-term integration into city life.
Mission-driven communities are groups of young people, couples, and families who choose to live in the same community and work together there over many years. Members of these communities lead activities in schools, youth movements, welfare frameworks, community centers, and local social initiatives. Unlike one-time volunteer efforts, these individuals make social engagement a permanent part of their lives and seek to become an integral part of the communities in which they live.
Several mission-driven communities are already active in Nahariya, including members of the Hashomer Hatzair Alumni Movement. KKL-JNF is also involved in renovating buildings in the city used by these communities for educational and social activities.
The key handover ceremony took place in one of the apartments in Nahariya, attended by KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostreinsky, KKL-JNF CEO Ilan Shohat, Nahariya Mayor Ronen Marli, Mekom Chair Hadas Goldman, KKL-JNF leadership members, and representatives of the Hashomer Hatzair Alumni Movement.
The program is expected to expand in the future to Kiryat Shmona, Sderot, Nof HaGalil, Katzrin, and Beit She'an, with Nahariya serving as the first city where families have moved into apartments as part of the initiative.
Photo: michael Hori, KKL-JNF
KKL-JNF Chair Eyal Ostreinsky said: "Settlement is measured not only by the number of homes that are built, but by the people who choose to transform a place into a community. The initiative we are launching today will enable more young people and mission-driven individuals to establish roots in Israeli cities and lead educational, social, and community activities over many years. By subsidizing up to 70% of rental costs compared to market prices, KKL-JNF is removing a significant barrier and allowing mission-based communities to focus on what truly matters—strengthening communities, developing local resilience, and building a shared future. This is Zionism in action, and we are proud to be partners in this effort."
Nahariya Mayor Ronen Marli said: "The choice of Nahariya as the first municipality to lead this national initiative is a source of pride and a vote of confidence in our city and community. We warmly welcome every new resident who chooses Nahariya, the capital of the Galilee, as their 'home for life.' I would like to thank the KKL-JNF Chair, CEO, Mekom Chair, and all the partners who helped bring this important social, Zionist, and values-based initiative to life. We will continue working together to develop and strengthen the Nahariya community, because only with a strong Galilee can Israel remain strong."
Mekom Chair Hadas Goldman said: "This is a significant day for mission-driven movements and communities throughout Israel. This initiative reflects the long-standing partnership between KKL-JNF, mission-driven movements, and local government partnership that enables pioneering groups to establish roots, build a home, and lead meaningful community action. When these three partners work together, the results can already be seen on the ground, and this is only the beginning."
Maya Kotliar and Gil Zamir, who moved into their new home with their two children, Nevo and Hadas, said:
"We chose to come to Nahariya at this time because we wanted to be part of strengthening and building the North. We found here a strong and inspiring community, and the support of the urban kibbutz 'Hashomer Hatzair' and the partnership between KKL-JNF and Mekom gave us the confidence to take this step. We hope to put down roots here, build our home, and believe that more families will discover the opportunity and the special community that exists in the North."