New teachers’ neighborhood opens in Israel, near Gaza border

A public call for educators to join the project has already yielded over 60 applicants.

By Sveta Listratov, TPS

A new teachers’ neighborhood is under construction in Ein HaBesor in Negev as part of a joint initiative by the Eshkol Regional Council and the Takuma Directorate.

The project includes 20 homes for educators and their families relocating to the near-Gaza border area and is already attracting high demand.

“This new neighborhood is part of our vision to strengthen the region,” Aviaad Friedman, head of the Takuma Directorate, said.

“Those who move here make a true Zionist act—by choosing to educate in this area and live here, they contribute to the growth and renewal of the community.”

Construction began in mid-August on the first dedicated teachers’ neighborhood in Israel.

The total project cost is approximately 22 million NIS, with 16 million NIS allocated for 2024 through the municipal budget and Takuma Directorate support, and an additional 6 million NIS planned for 2025.

A public call for educators to join the project has already yielded over 60 applicants.

Selected candidates – including teachers, educational psychologists, kindergarten teachers, and teaching assistants—will commit to living in the neighborhood and working at 80% capacity in local educational institutions for at least one year.

Residents will receive housing at symbolic rental rates. The neighborhood is expected to welcome its first families before the upcoming holidays at the end of September.

“From the pain and tragedy we have experienced, we choose life and hope,” Michal Ozyahu, head of the Eshkol Regional Council, said, referring to the October 7th massacre.

“Our children deserve the best educational environment. Establishing the teachers’ neighborhood together with the Takuma Directorate is a groundbreaking step, placing education at the heart of our recovery.”