The Eshkol Regional Council was established in 1951 and was originally called Hevel Ma'on (Ma'on District). In 1969 the name was changed to Eshkol in honor of the third Prime Minister of Israel, Levi Eshkol. The Regional Council encompasses an area of 760,000 dunams (188,000 acres or 294 Sq. miles). The area possesses unique ecological qualities ranging from sub-tropic to desert. The wide socio/economic composition of its population promotes the existence of an advanced system of services in the areas of education, culture, and the municipal realm

The Council Communities

The communities comprising the Eshkol Regional Council mirror the central milestones in the history of the establishment of the State of Israel. Since before independence, the settlements of this region were an integral part of the security and defense effort in the Negev. In every war, the settlements of this area performed the role of strategic outposts around which the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) organized the defense of the Southern Front

We are proud of our more than sixty years of settlement. These have been years of agricultural creativity and industrial development; Years of building a humanitarian and vibrant society over several generations. These have been years during which we created.

The thirty one communities consisting of 14 kibbutzim, 15 moshavim and two residential communities and boasting a total population of 12,500 people have all contributed in their own way to the creation of this robust rural enterprise here in the Northwestern Negev

Supplemental education

In addition to the required formal education, the Eshkol Regional Council has developed a system of supplementary education consisting of a wide range of activities suited to the needs, abilities and talents of the school age population. This system operates after the formal school day ends. Although we are distant from the country's center and we are a relatively small community with limited resources, our students can find outlets for their creativity and self-expression in the music studio, dance studio, the center for creative arts, and the sports center

Welfare Department

 Social welfare services are tailored to the needs of the target populations. These include, individual and family services, child welfare and youth services, senior citizen and special needs services Senior Citizen Daycare Center - Naveh Eshkol.

 
A wide range of activities, including lectures, arts and crafts, day tours and physical fitness are provided at Naveh Eshkol. Along with a wealth of activities veteran area residents find a nurturing environment filled with warmth and love at the center. The center is currently in the final stages of expansion and will be open to all of the region's residents but with an emphasis on the senior citizens

Culture

The Eshkol region has a surprisingly vigorous cultural life. The residents can attend plays performed locally by the country's major theatrical companies. There are also performances by national stars, first run movies, concerts and more. Residents can even enjoy performances by the area's own local "Negev Theater" which performs plays for both children and adults

For more information about the 2000 partnership project contact:

Ravit Ochayon - Partnership Director - JAFI

Sderot- Shaar Hanegev - Holland

Eshkol - Mexico-Northeastern New York

e-mail: ravitm@jafi.org

Mobile :052-3847973, E-Fax-02-6203194, Office- 086610476